Jackdaw gasfield set to be approved by ministers this month, sources say

The UK government is poised to approve a contentious gas field off Aberdeen's coastline, sources indicate. The Jackdaw project, which was previously greenlit by the Conservative government in 2022, may receive approval as early as mid-September, just prior to Parliament's recess for party conferences, according to government and industry insiders.

The controversial field was initially challenged by environmental groups, who argued that consent had been given without adequate consideration of climate impact. Adura, the joint venture between Shell, Equinor, and Ithaca, claims the Jackdaw will supply up to 6% of the UK's peak gas demand, though environmentalists assert it will only provide 2%.

The controversial field's owner asserts that starting production would bolster energy security while also benefiting the UK's oil and gas infrastructure. However, environmentalists contend that additional drilling would be incompatible with efforts to reduce carbon emissions and that transitioning to greener technologies would better support jobs.

It is anticipated that the Jackdaw could generate 35.8 million tonnes of carbon over its 11-year lifespan, equivalent to 90% of Scotland's 2023 emissions. Adura estimates it could be closer to 23.6 million tonnes. The UK government will make the final decision on the future of the Jackdaw and another new oil field, Rosebank, following a public consultation that concluded in August.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh will make separate decisions on the two sites, though no timeline has been provided.