Greenpeace given go ahead to legally challenge drilling at controversial Rosebank oil field

Environmental campaign group Greenpeace UK has been given the go ahead to legally challenge the controversial Rosebank oil field by Scottish courts.

The site, which is located 80 miles west of Shetland, was green lit by the Conservative Government in September 2023.

It is the UK’s largest untapped oil field and is estimated to contain up to 300 million barrels of oil. The legal action will also challenge the Jackdaw gas field 155 miles east of Aberdeen – due to begin production in 2025.

However, in August 2024 the new Labour Government confirmed it would not challenge legal attempts to stop drilling going ahead at the two fields.

The Scottish courts have since granted permission for a judicial review of both sites. Greenpeace believes the impact of emissions caused from burning the oil and gas extracted from those fields was unlawfully ignored.

The group also argues that the Rosebank oil field would damage a protected area of the North Sea and the diverse marine life it supports.

Greenpeace UK is due to face lawyers for oil giants Equinor, Shell and Ithaca in court on November 12, 2024.

Mel Evans, Greenpeace UK’s climate team leader, said: “Both the government and the Supreme Court agree that you cannot ignore the emissions generated from burning fossil fuels.

“Equinor, Shell and Ithaca know this, and they know that the consents for these fields are unlawful. But despite this they are continuing to develop them during this judicial review, putting people, marine life, and our climate at further risk.”

Shell argues that the 2025 Jackdaw project is being developed in line with “all relevant consents and permits” and that it is a vital gas field for the country

A spokesperson for the energy company said: “From the outset, Jackdaw has been developed in line with all relevant consents and permits. At the substantive hearing of the judicial review in November, Shell will argue that those existing consents to develop Jackdaw should remain in place.

“We accept the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Finch case, but will argue that Jackdaw is a vital project for UK energy security that is already well under way. Stopping the work is a highly complex process, with significant technical and safety issues now that infrastructure is in place and drilling has started in the North Sea.”

A spokesperson from Equinor added: “Equinor – in principle – does not comment on ongoing litigation. Equinor welcomed regulatory approvals for the Rosebank development in 2023 and will continue to work closely with all relevant parties to progress the project. It is vital for the UK and will bring benefits in terms of local investment, jobs and energy security.”

Ithaca declined to comment on the decision.