John Underhill  University Director for Energy Transition and Professor of Geoscience at Aberdeen University

Reports that the Secretary of State for Energy is considering the approval of the Jackdaw gas field highlight that there is a big difference between being minded to make a decision and being in a position to actually take one.

Given that the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) only wrote to the field operator, Adura, last Friday requesting more data and evidence to demonstrate the field’s climate compatibility, something that will take time to compile, submit, be assessed and a decision taken.

As I discussed with Lord Ed Vaizey on Times Radio at 10.15am this morning, I would not be anticipating a decision to be taken by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) before the early summer and, most likely sometime after the Holyrood election.

https://lnkd.in/eYKhcNXQ

The 7-minute interview can be accessed via Times Radio catch up and is on air from 14 mins 50 secs to 21 mins 55 secs

Despite it really being a non-story for now, what I do take from the announcement is that the UK Government’s position reflects more pragmatism in the face of current realities following the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East and consequent impact for gas supplies and costs.

The press coverage does, however, signpost that the UK Government may seek a new direction of travel, at least for gas developments, if not oil.

The coverage also demonstrates there is an increasingly clear understanding and appreciation that domestic gas supplies carry a lower carbon footprint than Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) imports that would otherwise be required for electrical baseload, domestic heating, or other energy needs.

But, for now the press reports change nothing, and just to be clear, the Jackdaw Platform remains in Norway and cannot mobilise until Government approvals have been received.

KeyFacts Energy: Commentary