Shell’s North Sea gas field, Jackdaw, has received final regulatory approval.
This comes as the government tries to boost domestic energy production in a bid to protect the UK from market instability caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Business and Energy Minister Quasi Quarteng said: “The Jackdaw gas field – originally licensed in 1970 – has now received final regulatory approval.
“We are charging for renewable and nuclear sources, but we are also realistic about our energy needs now.
“Let’s get more of the gas we need than British water to protect energy security.
Shell said it welcomed the decision and planned to move forward with field development, adding that it had the potential to produce 6.5% of Britain’s gas production “at a time when UK energy security is critical”.
A Shell spokesman said: “Responsibly produced, local gas production plays a key role in the UK’s transition to net zero, will support thousands of jobs and is part of Shell UK’s broader intention to invest £ 20 billion to £ 25 billion in the United Kingdom, with 75% going to low- and zero-carbon products and services.
“However, as we have repeatedly stated, this can only happen with sound fiscal policy, and we continue to seek these assurances from the government.”
Plans for the gas field were initially rejected in October last year for environmental reasons, but Shell submitted an updated proposal to the offshore oil regulator for the environment and decommissioning in March.
The new plan changes the way natural gas is processed in the Shearwater hub to which the Jackdaw field will be connected: instead of removing all naturally occurring CO2 from offshore gas, part of it will be taken to the St Fergus terminal, where is treated on land.
The gas field is estimated to have reserves of between 120 million and 250 million barrels of oil equivalent, and Shell plans to begin production in the second half of 2025.
Greenpeace is considering legal action
However, Greenpeace said he believed the approval of the permit could be illegal and would consider legal action.
Well, McCarthy, a Greenpeace UK political activist, said: “Jackdaw’s approval is a desperate and destructive decision by the Johnson government and proves that there is no long-term plan.
Read previous articles in Sky News on this issue: The government is balancing on the environment, while Shell is planning drilling in the Jackdaw field. More drilling for North Sea gas is an unrealistic strategy to reduce energy prices, says Alok Sharma
“They could immediately shave billions of bills, control energy demand in the UK, create thousands of jobs, boost our economy, tackle the climate crisis and avoid future crises – if only by modernizing their homes, for to be warmer and greener, and invest in clean and cheap renewable energy.
“But instead, they are again handing out lucrative permits to people like Shell for a project that will not start producing gas for years, that won’t cut our bills, but will create huge emissions that cause deadly floods and forest fires. and mass migration of people fleeing the climate crisis.
“This government has shown no attitude towards these emissions or the final impact of Jackdaw on the climate. We think this is illegal, we are looking for legal action to stop Jackdaw and fight it every step of the way. “
Add Comment