EDF Energy Chief Calls for Approval of Rosebank and Jackdaw North Sea Projects

The Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields in the North Sea have already received licences under the previous Conservative administration. The UK government is expected to give final consent within weeks, but the decision has been postponed until after the 8 October Holborn and St Pancras by-election, a date listed as a scheduled event.

The Guardian

Simone Rossi, chief executive of EDF Energy, argues that new North Sea development is compatible with the net-zero agenda. He says domestically produced fossil fuels emit less than imported supplies because they avoid long-distance transport. EDF Energy, which supplies roughly one-fifth of the United Kingdom’s low-carbon electricity, operates about 8 GW of low-carbon capacity—including eight nuclear reactors (? 6 GW) and 2 GW of wind, solar and battery storage. Rossi adds that additional North Sea output would create jobs and increase tax receipts that could be directed to households facing high energy bills.

The Guardian

Housing Minister Andy Burnham has pledged a “pragmatic approach” to North Sea development, signalling openness to the projects despite pressure from environmental advocates. Ministers are reported to be under heightened scrutiny from Green Party leader Zack Polanski and other climate groups, who are urging a refusal of final consent.

The Guardian

• “It will take decades to wean off from that dependency,” — Energy. Simone Rossi — Simone Rossi, chief executive, EDF Energy.

The Guardian