UK Approves Shell-Equinor Jackdaw Gas Field

The UK government has approved production at the long-delayed Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, backed by a Shell–Equinor venture, which says supplies could reach British homes and businesses as soon as this month. Ministers say the project could raise domestic gas output by about 6% at peak, protect hundreds of jobs and add an estimated £2.9 billion to the economy, while strengthening energy security. Climate campaigners argue it risks higher emissions, will do little to lower bills because gas is traded on global markets, and conflicts with the UK’s climate commitments; critics also cite a court ruling that earlier approvals for Jackdaw and Rosebank were unlawful. The government has announced an Energy Wealth Fund intended to direct oil and gas revenues toward the climate transition, and political reactions to the approval have ranged from support to condemnation.