politics
Experts urge UK to approve Jackdaw gas field amid energy uncertainty
Industry bodies and energy experts are pressing the UK government to approve the North Sea Jackdaw gas field while regulators review new environmental submissions and ministers await a decision.
Apr 3rd 2026 ยท United Kingdom
Insights
- Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has not taken a view and the government says it cannot comment on live planning decisions.
- Jackdaw could provide about 6.5% of UK Continental Shelf gas at peak, enough to heat more than 1.4 million homes.
- The project was halted after a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that required emissions from burning fossil fuels to be considered in planning decisions.
- Projects were allowed to reapply after the government published new environmental guidance last summer.
- The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning is assessing Jackdaw and has requested further information.
- Industry groups and former BP chief Lord John Browne have urged approval to boost domestic supply and maintain investor confidence.
- Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has softened his stance on North Sea drilling, citing increased geopolitical risks after the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
Sources
- Scottish ruling party backs controversial new oil and gas fields www.politico.eu
- Leading UK climate scientists warn against new North Sea drilling www.ft.com
- Energy experts call for Jackdaw gas field to be approved www.independent.co.uk
- Energy experts call for Jackdaw gas field to be approved www.independent.co.uk
- Energy experts call for Jackdaw gas field to be approved www.independent.co.uk
- Speculation Miliband will approve drilling new oil and gas field 'unfounded' news.sky.com
- Ministers deny decision has been taken over North Sea gas field project amid spiralling prices www.independent.co.uk