The government has defended plans to grant new North Sea fossil fuel drilling licences annually, arguing it would be cleaner than imports and bolster energy security. Critics, however, warn it undermines climate commitments.
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho claimed domestic gas has four times lower emissions than imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). While this is accurate per the North Sea Transition Authority, most UK gas imports come via pipelines from Norway, which has cleaner production than the UK.
On energy security, Coutinho said the bill would improve it. Yet private companies sell oil on international markets, and about 80% of North Sea oil is exported. There are no plans to force domestic allocation, as confirmed by a minister in December.
Coutinho admitted the legislation would not necessarily lower energy bills, contradicting earlier claims. Oil and gas prices are set globally, so increased domestic supply has minimal impact. Shadow climate secretary Ed Miliband noted the bill won't cut bills.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) argues boosting renewables is the best way to reduce import reliance and lower costs. While the UK will still use some oil and gas in 2050, demand must drop 80% to meet net-zero targets. CCC interim chair Prof Piers Forster called further licensing “inconsistent with climate goals.”
