UK ministers are expected to approve the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea as soon as mid-September, according to BBC sources. The project, operated by Shell and Equinor's joint venture Adura, was originally approved in 2022 but was blocked by a court ruling that said the climate impact of burning the extracted gas had not been properly assessed. Updated environmental estimates were published for consultation in July, and the decision now sits with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. Adura says Jackdaw could supply up to 6% of UK gas demand at peak production, while campaign group Uplift puts the figure closer to 2%. The operator estimates the field would produce between 23.6 and 35.8 million tonnes of carbon over its 11 year lifetime. Supporters say domestic gas carries lower emissions than imported LNG and helps keep North Sea infrastructure running. Critics argue it will not cut bills, since gas prices are set globally, and that it conflicts with UK climate targets. The BBC notes that almost all North Sea gas is used in the UK, unlike oil, and that the country imports over 60% of its gas. A final decision is expected before Parliament breaks for party conference season.
