The development of the Rosebank field, the UK’s largest undeveloped oilfield, as well as the Jackdaw field have been cast into doubt following a ruling in a Scottish court.
The Edinburgh court has determined the oilfield approval illegal, because it did not consider the carbon emissions resulting from the consumption of any of the gas and oil produced in the development.
Norwegian energy firm Equinor received approval to develop the Rosebank field in 2023. It lies about 80 miles off the coast of the Shetland Islands. It is believed to be the biggest undeveloped field in the UK’s North Sea, with it holding about 500 million barrels of gas and crude oil equivalent.
Speaking for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), a government spokesperson said the consultation would be responded to quickly, so that operators:
“…will be able to apply for consents under this revised regime. Our priority is to deliver a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with our climate and legal obligations, which drives towards our clean energy future of energy security, lower bills, and good, long-term jobs.”
A second smaller gas field, called Jackdaw, which is operated by lubricant maker Shell, was also ruled illegal. The UK Government now has to decide whether to re-approve the projects, and there are set to be new guidelines from The Energy Department published this spring.
Shell, like many oil majors, has committed to becoming a net-zero company by 2050.
