Controversial UK oil field publishes full scale of climate impact

"The UK's largest undeveloped oil field has revealed the full scale of its environmental impact, should it gain approval by the government. Developers of the Rosebank oil field said nearly 250 million tonnes of planet warming gas would be released from using oil products from the field. The amount would vary each year, but by comparison the UK's annual emissions in 2024 were 371 million tonnes. The field's developer said its emissions were "not significant" considering the UK's international climate commitments."

"It is said to contain up to 300 million barrels of oil and some gas, and is owned by Norwegian energy giant Equinor and British firm Ithaca Energy. The field was originally approved in 2023, but in July a court ruled that a more detailed assessment of the field's environmental impact was required, taking into account the effect on the climate of burning any fossil fuels extracted from it. A public consultation has now been opened, and will run until 20th November 2025."

Rosebank lies about 80 miles north‑west of Shetland and is one of the largest undeveloped fossil discoveries in UK waters. The field is estimated to hold up to 300 million barrels of oil plus some gas and is owned by Equinor and Ithaca Energy. Developers estimate nearly 250 million tonnes of planet‑warming gas would be emitted from using oil products from the field, compared with the UK's 2024 annual emissions of 371 million tonnes. A court ruled that assessments must include emissions from burning extracted fuels. A public consultation runs until 20 November 2025, with the Energy Secretary to decide the final approval.

Read at www.bbc.com