Scottish justice is currently examining a legal challenge filed by environmental NGOs Greenpeace and Uplift concerning government authorization to develop the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields, located in the North Sea. The two organizations denounce authorizations deemed incompatible with the United Kingdom's climate commitments, arguing that the environmental impact of these projects was insufficiently taken into account by the authorities.
The case, which is taking place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, follows a series of court rulings adverse to hydrocarbon projects. More recently, the British Supreme Court invalidated a drilling authorization at Horse Hill, in the south of England, for not having assessed the emissions linked to the consumption of the hydrocarbons extracted. Building on this precedent, the NGOs hope to win their case in the Rosebank and Jackdaw case.
A climate issue at the heart of the debates
Greenpeace and Uplift criticize the British government for failing to integrate the full environmental impact into the assessments of the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects. Their arguments hinge on the fact that emissions from burning extracted oil and gas have not been adequately considered, an omission that would contravene national climate goals.
According to Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, this legal battle is crucial to the future of drilling in the North Sea. “We are more confident than ever about our chances of winning,” she said before the hearing opened, highlighting growing support from environmental activists.
Potential impacts on future hydrocarbon projects
If justice rules in favor of the plaintiffs, this decision could have repercussions on other hydrocarbon projects. According to Tommy Sheppard, a former Scottish MP for the Scottish National Party (SNP), this affair could shake up the process of approving new projects. “It will apply more broadly to the decision-making process,” he said, referring to the approximately 100 licenses recently granted by the previous Conservative government.
The Rosebank field, located 145 kilometers from the Shetland Islands, is considered the UK's largest untapped oil field with estimated reserves of 300 million barrels. As for the Jackdaw gas field, approved in 2022, it is planned to begin production next year, 250 km off the coast of Aberdeen.
A change of direction under the new government
Last month, the newly elected Labor government decided not to defend the controversial authorizations in court. This decision has strengthened the hopes of opponents of the project who see it as a first step towards a policy more respectful of climate commitments.
The oil and gas fields in question are owned by two energy giants: Rosebank is owned by Equinor, the Norwegian energy group, and Ithaca Energy, while Jackdaw is operated by the Shell company. Upcoming decisions could force these companies to review their projects and submit new environmental assessments before continuing their operations.
Related News :