UK could 'unlock' 100 more oil and gas projects, say North Sea bosses
The North Sea oil and gas industry is urging the UK government to scrap the Energy Profits Levy to unlock 111 new energy projects. Industry leaders argue that fiscal reform is essential to boost domestic production and improve long-term energy security.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between the UK's climate goals and the economic pressure to maintain domestic energy independence.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A legal challenge by environmental groups has halted projects being consented
Scotland environment, energy and rural affairs correspondent Published 14 September 2026 Updated 3 hours ago The UK could supply half of its oil and gas needs without imports if the government showed more support for the sector, an industry report claims.
Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) said changes to the windfall tax on energy firms and approval of the controversial Rosebank and Jackdaw fields could unlock 111 projects, attracting investment worth £50bn.
North Sea output has been falling and projections suggest that the UK's domestic supplies will meet only about a third of demand until 2050.
Environmental group Uplift branded the report a "fantasy" and said that the Prime Minister should not listen to "self-interested demands" of oil companies.
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