Shell’s North Sea Jackdaw gas field has received final regulatory approval.
It comes as the government seeks to increase domestic energy production in an effort to protect the UK from market volatility caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The Jackdaw gas field, originally licensed in 1970, has today received final regulatory approval.
“We are turbocharging renewable and nuclear, but we are also realistic about our energy needs now.
“We’re pouring more of the gas we need from British waters to protect energy security.”
Shell said he welcomed the decision and said it planned to move forward with the development of the field, adding that it had the potential to produce 6.5% of UK gas production “at a time when energy security The United Kingdom is in dire need. “
A Shell spokesperson said: “Responsibly produced local gas production plays a key role in the UK’s transition to zero net, it will support thousands of jobs and is part of the wider intention of Shell UK to invest between £ 20 billion and £ 25 billion in the UK, with 75% going to low and zero carbon products and services.
“However, as we have repeatedly stated, this can only happen with a stable fiscal policy and we continue to seek these guarantees 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 Dismantling in March.
The new plan changes the way natural gas will be processed in downtown Shearwater, to which the Jackdaw field will be connected: instead of removing all natural CO2 from offshore gas, part of it will be taken to the St. Fergus. where it will be treated on the ground.
The gas field is believed to have reserves of between 120 million and 250 million barrels of oil equivalent, and Shell plans to start production in the second half of 2025.
Greenpeace reflects on legal action
Greenpeace, however, said it believes the approval of the permit could be illegal and will consider legal action.
Ami McCarthy, a Greenpeace UK political activist, said: “Approving Jackdaw is a desperate and destructive decision by the Johnson administration and shows that there is no long-term plan.
Read previous Sky News articles on this topic: Government balances environmental loose rope as Shell plans to drill in Jackdaw field More drilling for North Sea gas is an unrealistic strategy to cut energy prices, says Alok Sharma
“They could cut billions immediately, control UK energy demand, create thousands of jobs, boost our economy, deal with the climate crisis and prevent future crises, if only better homes make them warmer and greener and invest in clean, cheap renewable energy.
“But instead, they are giving lucrative permits to people like Shell for a project that will not start producing gas for years, that will not lower our bills, but will create massive emissions that cause deadly floods and wildfires. , and the mass migration of people fleeing the climate crisis.
“This government has shown no regard for these emissions, nor for the final climate impact of Jackdaw. We believe it is illegal. We are looking for legal action to stop Jackdaw and fight it every step of the way.”