UK Government approves development of a new major oil field
The UK Governments approval of the development of a new oil field off the coast of Scotland has been met with disappointment by the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA).
Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “We are investing on our world-leading renewable energy but, as the independent Climate Change Committee recognise, we will need oil and gas as part of that mix on the path to net zero and so it makes sense to use our own supplies from North Sea fields such as Rosebank.
“The jobs and billions of pounds this is worth to our economy will enable us to have greater energy independence, making us more secure against tyrants like Putin.
“We will continue to back the UK’s oil and gas industry to underpin our energy security, grow our economy and help us deliver the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy.”
Although Claire Coutinho pointed out that we will need to realise that oil and gas will be part of the generation mix together with renewables, the Rosebank development has drawn criticism from Frank Gordon, Director of policy from the REA.
Stating “We are disheartened to note the news today regarding the approval of new oil licences at Rosebank. The UK must wean itself off oil and gas to break our reliance on expensive, insecure and polluting energy which is subject to volatile international fossil fuel markets.
“True energy security will be delivered by an urgent transition to homegrown, inexhaustible clean energy, accompanied alongside a large scale energy efficiency programme.
“Government should be focused on rebuilding investor confidence and ensuring the deployment of renewables and clean technologies as a long term route out of high bills for consumers.”
The Rosebank development claims to be the largest untapped oilfield in UK waters.
Whilst it reinforces the UK Government’s policy to become self-sufficient and less affected by worldwide supply and demand price volatility, it does come at an environmental cost.
Will it effect the UK’s drive to become net-zero by 2050? We will have to wait and see.