Energy secretary leans towards rejection

Miatta Fahnbulleh is minded to reject the Rosebank oilfield, sources told the Guardian, marking a major victory for climate campaigners and a blow to the North Sea energy industry.

Jackdaw approved, Rosebank uncertain

After approving the smaller Jackdaw gasfield on Wednesday, officials say Fahnbulleh is leaning towards refusing approval for what would be one of the biggest oilfields in the North Sea.

Final decision rests with Burnham

Fahnbulleh could still be overruled by Andy Burnham, who may hear different representations from the chancellor, John Healey. A final decision is expected before the end of this year.

Different rationale for each project

Fahnbulleh told the Guardian that the rationale behind Jackdaw did not apply to Rosebank. One is a gasfield for the domestic market, while the other is an oilfield mainly for export.

“One is a gasfield that caters for the domestic market, while the other is an oilfield that is mainly for export.”

Gas needed for energy transition

Fahnbulleh said the UK would rely on gas as it made the transition to net zero and that it would be better to take it from relatively low-carbon sources in the North Sea than importing…

Rosebank emits seven times more carbon

The Rosebank field would emit about seven times the carbon of Jackdaw and Fahnbulleh is understood to believe that it would do less for UK energy security, given most of the oil would be exported.

Jackdaw will add 36 million tonnes of carbon

Jackdaw is due to begin producing gas within weeks and will add an estimated thirty six million tonnes of carbon emissions. Fahnbulleh said she was satisfied it would not violate the UK's climate commitments.

Labour MPs warn of major pushback

Labour MPs warned on Wednesday there would be a major pushback in the party if Rosebank was approved.

Chancellor anticipates new oil revenues

In contrast, John Healey told ITV he expected oil and gas revenues to contribute to a new energy wealth fund, a suggestion he is anticipating new oil revenues from future approvals.

Energy wealth fund gets two billion pounds

Fahnbulleh has promised that future revenues from the North Sea will be spent on green energy projects through a new energy wealth fund. The fund would be given two billion pounds in the budget.

Greens target Labour on climate issue

The Greens said on Wednesday they intended to fight seats directly on the issue of Jackdaw and Rosebank.The Green MP Carla Denyer said they had identified dozens of seats where they are Labour's main challenger.