The UK Government must go further than approving the Jackdaw oil and gas field, the Tories have said as they called for “maximum economic recovery” from the North Sea. Shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie said the UK should “get everything” it can from its fossil fuel reserves.
Bowie Calls for Maximum Economic Recovery
Mr Bowie, the MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, said without domestic drilling the UK will be more reliant on foreign imports, which he said would cause even higher emissions. “Let’s get on and get what we can out of the North Sea as we move towards a more sustainable future,” he told the BBC’s Radio Scotland Breakfast. “We want to maximise what we can get out of the North Sea. That means we’re going to be saving thousands of jobs in the long run in and around Aberdeen especially, but actually across the UK, and it’s good for our energy security.”
Former Energy Minister Backs Drilling
The former energy minister called for “maximum economic recovery from the North Sea” as he backed drilling “everywhere that is conceivable”. He said the UK should “recover what we can that is economically viable to maintain the UK’s oil and gas bases, saving jobs, maximising revenue for the Treasury and making us more energy secure”.
Adura Warns of Winter Gas Supply Emergency
Speaking to BBC News, Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, said it is “hyper critical” that its plans are approved. Chief executive Neil McCulloch warned the UK has limited options in the event of a “gas supply emergency”. He said: “If I were the secretary of state for energy security and net zero, I’d be looking closely at where’s my next source of energy security, and you’re standing on it. The wells are drilled, they’re hooked up. We’re just readying the systems. It will be ready for the 1st of October. Jackdaw will play a vital part of this winter’s gas supply.”
Regulators Consider Jackdaw and Rosebank Fields
Regulators are considering a revised application for the controversial development off the coast of Aberdeen, as well as the Rosebank field off Shetland. The boss of Adura has suggested there could be winter fuel shortages if the field is not approved.
NESO Confirms Energy Security Outlook
The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has said it expects to meet demand this winter. It said: “Our current view is that the electricity system will remain secure and reliable through winter 2026/27.” It added: “The outlook is positive, but winter conditions can change. NESO will continue to monitor global gas markets, European electricity flows, weather conditions and periods where supply and demand may be more finely balanced, particularly in January.”
Environmentalists Criticise Drilling Plans
Environmental campaigners say Jackdaw would do little to increase gas supply and would have no impact on energy bills. Robert Palmer, deputy director at Uplift, said: “The Conservatives’ Trumpian obsession with oil and gas is blinding them to the reality of climate change. This is despite the fact that parts of the UK are suffering from extreme heat, with health services under strain and schools closing. New drilling will only make the climate crisis worse. Jackdaw will have no impact on our energy bills and do precious little to increase our gas supply. So long as the UK remains hooked on gas, we will continue to get poorer, our climate will get hotter and extreme weather will increase. All the while companies like Shell, Jackdaw’s majority owner, cash in. High gas prices are forcing millions into energy debt, while Shell is forecast to earn 30 billion dollars (£22.4 billion) this year. It is obvious from Shell’s new application to drill the Jackdaw field that it has failed to properly engage with the Government’s new climate test, which allows us to know if a project like Jackdaw is compatible with safe climate limits and the UK’s climate commitments. Shell cannot keep trying to get away with hiding what they are doing to our planet – not while households suffer in real time from extreme heat.”
The UK Government have been approached for comment.
