Jackdaw environmental impact released as consultation opens

Approval was granted by the previous UK Government, but the Court of Session ruled that decision unlawful because the climate impact of burning the gas had not been taken into account in the environmental impact assessment for Jackdaw or the Rosebank field off Shetland.

A revised version was submitted in November 2025 but a judge ruled several areas had not been adequately addressed.

Read More:

The latest submission, dated June 19, was made public on Wednesday and provides additional context on how emissions would affect global ambitions to limit climate change.

Wednesday also marks the beginning of a public consultation on the project.

The assessment argues producing gas via the Jackdaw field would actually lower carbon emissions compared to importing liquid natural gas (LNG) from the United States.

It argues that the carbon cost of producing, processing, liquefying, shipping and regasification “could result in around 20% more CO2 emissions than producing the same gas domestically.

In total, Adura’s EIA says Jackdaw would account for less than 0.02% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions during its lifetime.

Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift said: “Jackdaw will have no impact on our energy bills and do precious little to increase our gas supply.

“Even in the most optimistic scenario, and assuming none of its gas is exported, it would provide just 2% of UK gas demand over its 9-12 year lifetime. The reality is, after 50 years of drilling, the UK has now burned most of its gas and a relatively small gas field like Jackdaw will do next to nothing to reduce our dependence on imports.

“And while we remain hooked on gas, we will get poorer, while companies like Jackdaw’s owner Shell, cash in. High gas prices are what’s forcing millions into energy debt, while Shell is forecast to earn nearly $30billion this year.

“The only way to insulate ourselves from price shocks is to double down on renewables and upgrade homes to get us off gas. This is just common sense in today’s world, particularly when we also know that fossil fuels are what is driving these more frequent and intense heatwaves in the UK.

“From its drilling application, it is obvious that Shell has failed to properly engage with the government’s new climate test, which allows us to know if a project like Jackdaw is compatible with safe climate limits and the UK’s climate commitments. Shell cannot keep trying to get away with hiding what they are doing to our planet.”

Scottish Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, Harriet Cross, said: “This consultation will give the public the opportunity to make their voices heard by showing their overwhelming support for Jackdaw.

“Jackdaw, alongside Rosebank, will ensure more of the energy we need comes from Britain rather than abroad.

“These projects are of national economic importance, giving us greater energy security, more tax revenue, and less exposure to the global shocks Labour says it can do nothing about.

“The livelihoods of thousands of workers are on the line here, which is why this consultation really does matter.

“I encourage everyone to show both Labour and SNP governments that Jackdaw must be allowed to commence production as a matter of urgency to protect the future of our North Sea oil and gas production.”

Scottish Conservative MP and shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie said: “The opening of the public consultation on Jackdaw forms a pivotal moment in the future of our North Sea oil and gas industry.

“This development, which the Conservatives have supported from the very beginning, will help shape the lives of thousands of North Sea workers for years to come.

“Supporting this, which will give us greater energy security and create 3,500 jobs during construction, with 880 high-quality, well-paid jobs sustained throughout production, is a no-brainer.

“That is why I encourage everyone to send a clear message to both Labour and SNP governments that we must get Britan drilling again by bringing this vital project into production.”

Neil McCulloch, chief executive of Adura, said: “The North Sea has helped to power Britain for more than half a century.

“In Jackdaw and Rosebank we have two advanced projects of national importance that can define the next chapter.

“We welcome the opening of public consultation on Jackdaw and would encourage everyone who wants to see the UK strengthen its energy security, support skilled jobs and back its world-class energy supply chain to make their voice heard.

“Jackdaw is ready to make a major contribution to Britain’s energy needs by this winter.

“Alongside Rosebank, it represents a material economic opportunity that has already been realised through multibillion-pound investment – and can be sustained throughout the production life of both fields.

“Both these projects are high economic intensity, with lower carbon intensity than alternatives.

“They are being delivered by people, businesses and communities across the UK who have built up decades of expertise in the North Sea and want to use that expertise to help power the country for years to come.

“With timely approval of Jackdaw and Rosebank, Adura can help unlock significant benefits: the energy that Britain needs, at lower associated emissions and within existing carbon budgets, alongside a major economic advantage in the national interest.”