Jackdaw gas field set to be approved as soon as mid-September, sources say
The UK government is expected to approve the Jackdaw gas field project in mid-September, despite ongoing legal challenges from environmental groups. The project, operated by Adura, has faced delays due to concerns over its climate impact and carbon emissions.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the tension between national energy security goals and international climate change commitments.
Image caption, The Jackdaw gas platform and drilling rig stand east of Aberdeen in the North Sea
The UK government is set to give the go-ahead for a controversial new gas field off the coast of Aberdeen, the BBC understands.
Approval for the Jackdaw project could come in mid-September, just before Parliament breaks for party conference season, according to government and industry sources.
The gas field was approved by the former Conservative government in 2022 but was delayed by a legal ruling from a Scottish court, after environmental groups argued consent was given without fully considering the climate impact.
Jackdaw's owner says it will account for 6% of UK gas output when at peak production but environmental groups say it will provide only 2% of UK use when imports are included.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in