UK's Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas project face political battle over energy security

A public consultation has opened on the Rosebank oil field, the United Kingdom’s largest untapped North Sea resource, and the nearby Jackdaw gas development. Energy company Adura, which backs both projects, says they could attract £8.7 billion for Rosebank alone and £10.8 billion combined, generate up to £28.7 billion of economic activity, support more than 3,500 construction jobs at peak, and supply roughly 10 % of the UK’s domestic gas and a similar share of oil output.

Adura’s chief executive Neil McCulloch argues the projects are of “national scale and significance” and would boost energy security, industrial revival and public‑service revenue. Environmental groups, including Uplift’s Tessa Khan, oppose the developments, warning they would lock the UK into fossil‑fuel reliance and undermine climate targets. The consultation runs until 17 August, after which the government will decide whether to grant consent, a decision described as a defining test of Britain’s energy strategy.