Rosebank oilfield decision: energy secretary leaning towards rejecting project, but no final ruling yet

Rosebank decision remains open

Fahnbulleh told the Guardian that the reasoning behind approving Jackdaw did not apply to Rosebank. She said the UK would continue to rely on gas during its transition to net zero, and that North Sea supplies were preferable to imports because they were relatively low-carbon.

Officials say no final decision has been taken on Rosebank, with a ruling expected later this year. The field is understood to be a greater source of emissions than Jackdaw, while most of its oil would be exported, limiting its contribution to UK energy security.

Jackdaw and climate commitments

During a visit to Aberdeen, Fahnbulleh said she was satisfied that Jackdaw would not breach the UK’s climate commitments. The field is due to start producing gas within weeks and is expected to add 36m tonnes of carbon emissions. She acknowledged that Jackdaw would not help meet the government’s central goal of reducing bills. Fahnbulleh said, “This is not about bills.”

Fund planned for green energy

Fahnbulleh has pledged that future North Sea revenues will support green energy projects through a new energy wealth fund. She said the fund would receive £2bn in the budget, including money redirected from other parts of her department’s budget.

Industry and political reactions

A speaker quoted in the report said the secretary of state and her team would consider the two fields separately, while the companies believed they had argued their case for Rosebank as strongly as for Jackdaw. The Jackdaw approval could help Labour in north-east Scotland, where unions have campaigned for permits, but may unsettle Labour MPs facing Green party challenges.