The company behind the proposed Jackdaw oil field has insisted the development will have no material impact on global greenhouse gas emissions, as a public consultation into the project was launched on Wednesday.
Adura – a joint venture between Shell and Equinor – was forced to update its environmental impact assessment for the field, which would be off the coast of Aberdeen if it gains UK Government approval, following a court challenge by campaigners.
“Adura says Jackdaw oil field will not materially influence global emissions as consultation opens, despite court challenge.”
The 159-page document, released as the consultation opened, found the development would account for just 0.02% of global greenhouse gas (GHG).
“This indicates that the project alone will not materially influence the evolution of future global GHG levels or the impacts attributed to those future GHG levels,” the report said. It added that the project is “fully in line with measures necessary to achieve a trajectory towards net zero”.
Neil McCulloch, chief executive of Adura, said: “The North Sea has helped to power Britain for more than half a century. In Jackdaw and Rosebank we have two advanced projects of national importance that can define the next chapter.” He urged supporters to make their voices heard, saying Jackdaw is “ready to make a major contribution to Britain’s energy needs by this winter”.
Shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie welcomed the consultation and urged approval. “This development, which the Conservatives have supported from the very beginning, will help shape the lives of thousands of North Sea workers for years to come,” he said. “Supporting this, which will give us greater energy security and create 3,500 jobs during construction, with 880 high-quality, well-paid jobs sustained throughout production, is a no-brainer.”
The outcome of the consultation could determine whether Jackdaw receives government approval, balancing energy security promises against the UK's climate commitments.