Energy · North Sea, east of Aberdeen · United Kingdom · October 21, 2026

UK approves Jackdaw North Sea gas field

Reported by 5 outlets · first reported Oct 21, 6:30 AM ET

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh authorized consent for the Jackdaw gas field, about 150 miles east of Aberdeen, which operator Adura expects to supply gas by the end of the month. Greenpeace criticized the decision, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged lifting the ban on new licences, and the Guardian reported Fahnbulleh is leaning toward rejecting the larger Rosebank oilfield.

Why it matters

It is the first new North Sea project approved since the Gulf war pushed up energy prices.

Background

Jackdaw was first approved in 2022 but faced legal challenges from campaigners. Labour pledged in 2024 not to issue new oil and gas licences.

The story so far

1. Oct 19North Sea rig workers plan strikes that could hit UK fuel supply
2. Oct 20UK set to approve Jackdaw North Sea gas field
3. Oct 21UK approves Jackdaw North Sea gas field
4. Oct 22UK creates £2bn Energy Wealth Fund alongside Jackdaw gas approval
5. Oct 25UK cabinet split over Rosebank North Sea oilfield

Follow the whole story →

Sources

• OilPrice ↗Oct 21, 6:30 AM ET
• BBC Science ↗Oct 21, 11:36 AM ET
• The Guardian ↗Oct 21, 1:15 PM ET

This summary was written automatically from the reporting linked above; follow the sources for the full story. How One Turn works.

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