Brief
UK approves Jackdaw gas field to boost domestic supply and jobs
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh approved the Jackdaw project, saying it will increase gas output and support the economy.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh approved the Jackdaw gas field on 21 October 2026, saying the move will raise domestic gas production by about 6 % at peak and safeguard hundreds of jobs, according to the Independent.
What happened
The approval allows gas from the Jackdaw field, located roughly 150 miles east of Aberdeen, to start flowing within weeks and reach homes and businesses by the end of the month. The decision follows a visit by Chancellor John Healey to Shell UK’s St Fergus gas terminal in Peterhead, where he announced a new £2 billion energy wealth fund to channel tax revenues from North Sea oil and gas into renewable and low‑carbon projects.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that the approval comes amid pressure on the government to also back the Rosebank oil and gas field, but officials say Rosebank will be considered later. Environmental campaigners criticised the move, arguing it delays the shift away from fossil fuels, while ministers argued that increasing domestic supply is more economical and environmentally sensible than relying on imports.
What was said
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the decision would “protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm this winter”, adding that a “pragmatic approach” to the North Sea was needed while the UK remains committed to renewable energy and net‑zero targets for 2050. Chancellor John Healey told reporters at the St Fergus terminal that “now is the time, with the conflict and the rising prices, to make the most of our own home‑grown energy through production from Jackdaw”. US President Donald Trump, quoted in the article, urged the UK to go “full blast” in exploiting North Sea resources.
How it came about
The approval follows weeks of speculation after earlier Felo News reports highlighted the government’s cautious stance on North Sea projects. On 16 October, Felo noted that Fahnbulleh said a decision on Jackdaw was imminent, while a separate report on 20 October warned that the Prime Minister would announce the decision the next day. The latest approval aligns with the government’s broader energy security strategy amid international turbulence from the Iran and Ukraine wars.
Key facts
- Jackdaw gas field approved on 21 October 2026 (independent.co.uk)
- Projected 6 % increase in UK domestic gas production at peak (independent.co.uk)
- New £2 billion energy wealth fund to invest in renewable projects (independent.co.uk)
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the decision will protect jobs and keep homes warm (independent.co.uk)
- Chancellor John Healey announced the fund at Shell’s St Fergus terminal (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Jackdaw gas field approved as Government seeks to improve energy security”
