Emissions from the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea will "not materially influence" global warming, according to a report from its owner Adura. The project would account for less than 0.02% of annual global greenhouse gases during its lifetime, the updated Environmental Impact Assessment stated.
Background on Jackdaw Approval
Jackdaw was previously approved under the Conservative government, but a court appeal forced a new environmental assessment, putting the project on hold. Campaigners demanded that the Government reject both the Jackdaw gas field and the Rosebank oil field developments.
Political Reactions
Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho criticized the Labour government's stance, stating: "The only people this policy is working for are lawyers. We need gas. We can get it from Jackdaw and the North Sea, or we can ship it on diesel tankers from Qatar, with four times the emissions. It’s obviously better for carbon emissions that we drill in the North Sea, and it’s better for the British economy too."
The 159-page submission on Jackdaw indicated that replacing imported liquefied natural gas from the US with gas from Jackdaw would save the equivalent of four million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. A previous revised EIA from November said Jackdaw could produce up to 35.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions during its lifetime, roughly 90% of Scotland's total emissions.
Environmental Impact and Legal Challenges
The updated assessment, requested by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning, required Adura to provide context on how emissions would affect global climate change goals. Adura is a joint venture between Shell and Equinor. The legal case was brought by environmental groups Uplift and Greenpeace.
Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, argued: "Jackdaw will have no impact on our energy bills and do precious little to increase our gas supply. Even in the most optimistic scenario, and assuming none of its gas is exported, it would provide just 2% of UK gas demand over its nine to 12-year lifetime. The reality is, after 50 years of drilling, the UK has now burned most of its gas, and a relatively small gas field like Jackdaw will do next to nothing to reduce our dependence on imports. And while we remain hooked on gas, we will get poorer, while companies like Jackdaw’s owner, Shell, cash in. High gas prices are what’s forcing millions into energy debt, while Shell is forecast to earn nearly $30 billion this year. The only way to insulate ourselves from price shocks is to double down on renewables and upgrade homes to get us off gas."
Government Stance and Decision
Labour was elected on a manifesto promising not to approve new oil and gas licences. However, the Government considers this not to apply to Jackdaw due to prior consent, leaving the door open for approval. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a net zero supporter, will decide whether to approve the project.
