UK government to approve Jackdaw gas field

The UK government is expected to approve the Jackdaw gas field on Wednesday. BBC reports the announcement will be made in the morning. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh will address MPs in the afternoon. The decision follows a 2025 court ruling that overturned the 2022 licence.

Politico reports the Energy Secretary will sign the environmental statement overseen by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment & Decommissioning. The North Sea Transition Authority is also expected to approve the field development plan. The project is led by Adura, a joint venture of Shell, Equinor and Ithaca Energy. Adura estimates Jackdaw could supply 6% of UK North Sea gas.

The field is about 150 miles east of Aberdeen. Labour's 2024 manifesto pledged to honour existing licences such as Jackdaw. The field could be connected to the UK network within months. The decision is politically significant and has been delayed for several months.

The UK government has said it needs a flexible approach to energy. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has spoken of drilling more where licences already exist. The decision will be made after the government reviews the environmental statement. The outcome will affect energy security and job creation.