The UK Government has approved plans to begin drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea.
The decision by the North Sea Transition Authority ends months of speculation about the future of the project, which owner Adura said could deliver around 6% of UK North Sea gas production.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, who gave approval for the NSTA to grant consent for drilling, said the move will “support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter”.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham added the decision will “protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm”, but stressed it would not hinder the Government’s targets on renewable energy.
He said: “At a time when people are really struggling, it’s right that we look in a responsible way at maximising the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help.
“We’re committed to moving towards renewable energy and reaching net zero by 2050.
“But even on our ambitious climate path, we’ll still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come.”
The drilling project is one of two – alongside the Rosebank oil field off Shetland – which were approved by the previous Conservative government.
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