Britain could face fuel shortages this winter unless the next Government approves a major North Sea gas project, an energy boss has warned, as concerns grow over the UK’s energy security.
Neil McCulloch, chief executive of Adura, said the Jackdaw gas field is crucial to ensuring Britain has enough gas supplies during the colder months and urged ministers to approve the long-delayed development.
The warning comes as the future of the £1.5 billion project is expected to fall to the next Government, with Andy Burnham widely expected to take over in Downing Street later this month.
Mr McCulloch said the Jackdaw field could provide around 6 per cent of the UK’s gas demand and strengthen Britain’s energy resilience against supply disruptions caused by extreme weather or international tensions.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “If I were the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, I’d be looking closely at where’s my next source of energy security.
“The wells are drilled; they’re hooked up. We’re just readying the systems.
“It will be ready for October 1.”
Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Norway’s Equinor, says drilling could begin immediately if production consent is granted.
Jackdaw was previously approved in 2022 before environmental campaigners successfully challenged the decision in court.
A judge ruled the original approval was unlawful because the environmental assessment did not fully consider the project’s climate impact.
Adura has since submitted a revised application, arguing the development would account for less than 0.02 per cent of global emissions.
The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning is currently consulting on the proposal before it returns to the North Sea Transition Authority and, ultimately, the Energy Secretary for a final decision.
The project has become a flashpoint in the debate over Britain’s energy future.
Current Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has repeatedly argued that expanding domestic oil and gas production will not significantly reduce household energy bills because fossil fuels are traded on international markets.
However, Andy Burnham has signalled he is open-minded about increasing North Sea drilling, raising expectations that existing developments such as Jackdaw could receive approval.
The warning comes after renewed instability in the Middle East pushed gas prices higher and renewed concerns about Europe’s energy supplies.
The National Energy System Operator has said Britain’s gas reserves should remain above expected winter demand but warned the country’s safety margin will be narrower than last year.
Supporters of Jackdaw argue the project would reduce reliance on imported gas and improve the UK’s energy security, while opponents say expanding fossil fuel production risks undermining Britain’s climate commitments.
The Government is expected to make a decision on the project’s future in the coming months, with the outcome likely to shape the UK’s energy strategy for years to come.
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