Government approves drilling at Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea

The government has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, a project first approved in 2022 but delayed by a legal challenge. The decision has renewed debate over energy security and the government’s commitment to ending new North Sea developments, with supporters arguing domestic gas can support the transition to renewables and critics warning of added climate impact.

Jackdaw is expected to raise UK gas production by about 6 per cent at its peak, safeguard hundreds of jobs and contribute an estimated £2.9 billion to the economy. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said it would contribute to climate change and would not lower gas prices, but argued that using domestic gas is preferable to imports. The government plans to direct North Sea tax revenues into an energy wealth fund, initially backed with £2 billion, while Kemi Badenoch called for more licences and Donald Trump urged the UK to expand drilling.