Britain approved production at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea on October 21, 2026, after a renewed environmental review. The government said supplies could begin by the end of October, while environmental groups challenged the climate justification for extracting more fossil fuel.
A parliamentary statement confirmed that the North Sea Transition Authority granted consent after agreement from the energy secretary. Jackdaw already held a licence. Officials forecast a roughly 6% increase in domestic gas production at peak output and a project life of up to 11 years.
Shell said the original 2022 consent failed in court in January 2025 because its environmental assessment omitted emissions from the eventual burning of the gas. The renewed process considered those downstream emissions following the Supreme Court's 2024 Finch ruling. Construction had been allowed to continue while consent was sought.
The government said the decision remained compatible with binding carbon limits and its 2050 net-zero target. AP reported that environmental organisations disputed its benefits: WWF-UK argued that it would not lower prices and would weaken British climate leadership. The government acknowledged that international markets determine gas prices.
Adura, the Shell and Equinor joint venture, operates Jackdaw, Reuters reported. Shell welcomed the approval and stressed the need for predictable regulation and stable investment conditions. Alongside the decision, ministers announced an Energy Wealth Fund with an initial £2 billion to invest oil and gas revenues in renewable and low-carbon energy.
The separate Rosebank oilfield decision remained pending, according to Reuters. For Jackdaw, the next step is the start of supplies to British homes and businesses. Ministers maintain that existing gas resources can support the transition, while campaigners question whether further production is consistent with the country's climate commitments.
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