‘Substantive error’ made in consent for new Rosebank oil field, court hears

A court hearing at the Edinburgh Court of Sessions has uncovered a “substantive error of law” in the approval process for new oil and gas fields in Scottish waters. Environmental groups Greenpeace and Uplift have raised concerns over the authorisation of developments such as the Rosebank oil field near Shetland and the Jackdaw oil field off Aberdeen. It is argued that the UK government and the North Sea Transition Authority failed to adequately assess the full impact of emissions resulting from the extraction and burning of oil and gas from these fields. The groups also criticize the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and highlight potential harm to a marine protected area.

On the first day of the hearing, Greenpeace UK’s Ruth Crawford KC emphasized that the consent granted for these projects was based on limited environmental information and called for a reassessment. The environmental impact assessments should include Scope 3 emissions, which account for emissions from the complete consumption of oil and gas extracted. In response, Shell defended the Jackdaw project as crucial for UK energy security, while Equinor highlighted the importance of the Rosebank field for local investment, job creation, and energy security. The hearing, overseen by Lord Ericht, is ongoing.

The legal challenge underscores the ongoing debate surrounding environmental considerations in energy production and the need for a robust assessment process to ensure sustainable practices. As environmental concerns continue to grow, it is essential for authorities to carefully evaluate the long-term impacts of oil and gas projects on both the environment and local communities. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for future energy developments in Scottish waters.