Rosebank and Jackdaw energy projects await UK government decision

The consultation period for the Rosebank oil field and the Jackdaw gas field has concluded, marking a significant step toward a final decision by the UK Government. The Rosebank field, located approximately 80 miles west of Shetland, is the UK’s largest untapped oil field.

Adura, the company behind both projects, states the developments would represent £10.8 billion in investment, with over 75% of that capital expected to be spent within the UK. The projects are projected to support 3,500 jobs during peak construction and 880 jobs throughout the production lifetime. At its peak, Rosebank is expected to produce 69,000 barrels of oil per day, accounting for roughly 10% of the anticipated output from the UK Continental Shelf. Together, Rosebank and Jackdaw could provide 10% of domestic natural gas production.

Environmental activists and groups such as Uplift oppose the developments, citing climate change concerns. Critics argue that Rosebank alone could produce more than 250 million tonnes of CO2, which they claim is equivalent to 70% of annual UK emissions.