Rosebank oilfield would not breach UK emission targets, say government insiders
Summary
Government insiders say the UK could approve the Rosebank oilfield without breaching its domestic emissions targets because most of the oil would be exported, and emissions from burning it abroad would count toward other countries’ totals. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh must decide whether to approve the project after a court overturned its earlier environmental consent; cabinet colleagues are pressing for approval, while climate groups oppose it.Key Facts
- A 2024 court ruling said the previous environmental consent failed to account for emissions from burning Rosebank’s oil.
- The government must consider the UK’s commitment under the Paris agreement to act against global warming.
- Experts estimate Rosebank could add 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2042, compared with an overall UK limit of 90 million tonnes.
- Most of Rosebank’s oil is expected to be exported, so emissions from burning it would not count toward UK carbon budgets.
- Government sources say the Treasury has included billions of pounds in Rosebank tax revenue in its projections.
- Climate groups and some Labour lawmakers oppose approval, arguing that new oil and gas projects undermine climate goals.
- Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh approved the Jackdaw gas project the previous week, according to the article.
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