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The environmental impact of the UK’s largest undeveloped oil field has been brought to light, with developers revealing that nearly 250 million tonnes of planet-warming gas would be released if the project gains government approval. This amount pales in comparison to the UK’s annual emissions in 2024, which stood at 371 million tonnes. While the field’s developer believes these emissions are not significant given the UK’s international climate commitments, opponents argue that it would cause vast climate change damage.
Located about 80 miles north-west of Shetland, the Rosebank oil and gas field is considered one of the largest undeveloped fossil fuel discoveries in UK waters. Owned by Norwegian energy giant Equinor and British firm Ithaca Energy, the field’s initial approval in 2023 was challenged in court earlier this year for a more detailed assessment of its environmental impact. The ongoing public consultation will last until November 20, 2025, after which the Energy Secretary will decide on granting consent for the project.
The Supreme Court’s ruling last year, which requires authorities to account for the impact of using fossil fuel products in addition to extracting them, has had implications on projects like the Rosebank oil field. Equinor now estimates that over the next 25 years, the field will contribute an additional 249 million tonnes of the planet-warming gas CO2, compared to the original figure of 4.5 million tonnes. Environmental campaigners believe that the Rosebank project contradicts the UK’s climate commitments and urge the government to reconsider its support for such ventures.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has emphasized the need to transition away from fossil fuels, citing clean power as the solution to reducing bills and addressing climate change. Despite claims that the UK would benefit from the Rosebank oil, the project’s fuels are likely to be sold on the international market, diminishing any impact on domestic gas prices. Equinor remains committed to meeting market demands through open mechanisms, highlighting the complex interplay between energy production, climate commitments, and economic realities
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