UK Government Approves Equinor’s North Sea Rosebank Field Project for Energy Security
In a significant move for the British oil and gas industry, the UK government has given its green light to Equinor’s North Sea Rosebank field project, one of the largest in the sector. The decision, made despite opposition from environmentalists, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring long-term energy security.
This announcement follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s recent revision of interim plans for the government’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal. Critics argued that the original plans would discourage other countries from pursuing ambitious climate targets. By scaling back the interim plans, the UK government aims to strike a balance between environmental sustainability and securing the country’s energy future.
Energy Security Minister Claire Coutinho asserted that the Rosebank project would have lower emissions compared to older oil and gas developments. “We will continue to support the UK oil and gas industry as we transition to cleaner and more affordable energy sources, safeguarding our energy security and fostering economic growth,” Coutinho stated.
The cornerstone of Rosebank’s emissions reduction strategy is the electrification of the extraction process. Equinor, the Norwegian energy group behind the project, plans to commence production from the field in 2026/27 and electrify it by 2030.
While environmental campaigners had urged the government to halt the Rosebank development, arguing that it contradicted the net-zero economy plan, Prime Minister Sunak voiced his support for the North Sea in July. Sunak emphasized the necessity of new domestic fossil fuels to enhance energy security and position oil and gas as crucial components of the country’s energy mix by 2050.
The Rosebank field, though relatively small on a global scale, is projected to yield 300 million barrels of oil over its lifespan. Notably, Green Party lawmaker Caroline Lucas expressed her disapproval, calling the approval of the oil field “morally reprehensible.”
Despite differing energy policy priorities, the main opposition Labor party confirmed that it would honor any licenses granted before the next election, including those related to the Rosebank project.
In response to concerns that Britain would struggle to benefit from Rosebank due to most of the oil being refined overseas, Equinor highlighted that the light and sweet oil found in the field could be utilized by numerous refineries, including those in the UK. The company also emphasized that the surplus could be sold through global markets.
Significance for the UK Economy
In the past two decades, British North Sea oil and gas production has significantly declined by two-thirds. Nonetheless, the industry continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting 200,000 jobs and expected to generate £50 billion in tax revenue over the next five years.
Want to stay informed? Join our WhatsApp group for investigation news!
To receive relevant news directly on your Facebook feed, follow our official page.
Stay updated with the news you want on Telegram!
Experience the convenience of getting investigation news delivered directly to you by joining Threads.
Britain has approved one of the biggest new oil and gas projects, Equinor’s ( EQNROL ) North Sea Rosebank field, despite opposition from environmentalists, citing energy security as a priority.
Wednesday’s announcement came after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak watered down interim plans for the government’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal, which critics said would encourage other countries to curb their climate ambitions.
Energy Security Minister Claire Coutinho said Rosebank would have lower emissions than older oil and gas developments.
“We will continue to support the UK oil and gas industry to help us transition to cheaper and cleaner energy to underpin our energy security and grow the economy,” he said.
The cornerstone of Rosebank’s plan to reduce emissions intensity is the electrification of the extraction process.
Norwegian energy group Equinor said the first field, located west of the Shetland Islands, would start production in 2026/27 and be electrified in 2030.
Environmental campaigners had called on the government to stop the Rosebank development, saying it went against its plan for a net-zero economy.
But Mr Sunak threw his weight behind the North Sea in July, saying Britain needed new domestic fossil fuels to improve energy security and that oil and gas would be part of the country’s energy mix by 2050.
The Rosebank field, which is relatively small globally, is expected to produce 300 million barrels of oil during its lifetime.
Green Party lawmaker Caroline Lucas said, “Giving the green light for this huge new oil field is morally reprehensible. This government must take responsibility.”
The main opposition Labor party, which wants to focus on clean energy, has said it will honor any licenses granted before the next election, including from Rosebank.
Campaign group Uplift said Britain would find it difficult to profit from Rosebank because most of the oil is refined overseas.
“By endorsing Rosebank, Rishi Sunak has confirmed that he couldn’t care less about climate change,” said Uplift’s Tessa Khan.
Equinor said light and sweet oil of the type contained in Rosebank could be used by most refineries, including Britain, and that the country would receive scrap through the open market.
The Japanese government should offer tax breaks to companies investing in strategically important sectors
British North Sea oil and gas production has shrunk by two-thirds in the last 20 years, but the industry is still a major contributor to the economy, supporting 200,000 jobs and expected to generate £50 billion in tax revenue over the next five years. .
Click to get investigation news via WhatsApp
News you want to know in your Facebook Feed We visited
Search your Telegram for the news you want to know
You can join Threads to know investigation news
#Britain #goahead #biggest #oil #gas #projects #North #Sea #Rosebank #field
