oil From the controversial north sea projectcontains Rosebank's venture company is causing much controversycontributes less than 1 percent. EnglandA new analysis reveals fuel demand by 2030.
A study published by the not-for-profit Energy and Climate Information Unit (ECIU) on Monday said the government's claims to strengthen the UK's energy security through new licenses „do not stand up to scrutiny“.
According to the study, only by 2030 will any of the oil produced from new drilling licenses issued for projects such as Rosebank, the UK's largest undeveloped oil field, be used in the UK. It is said to be only 1%.
Therefore, there will be no significant difference to UK energy prices.
“The reality is that very little oil is pumped from oil. North Sea „Although it is refined and sold on the UK mainland, prices are still heavily influenced by international markets,“ said Professor Gavin Bridge, Fellow at the Durham Energy Institute at Durham University.
„Most of the oil is extracted by private or foreign state-owned companies, with little government control,“ he added.
“The idea that increased drilling on the continental shelf will enhance energy security does not stand up to scrutiny.”
In response to a written parliamentary question last week, the government admitted that the vast majority of oil drilled in the North Sea – around 80% – will be sold on international markets rather than to UK consumers.
„It is undesirable to have private companies 'allocate' oil and gas produced in the North Sea for domestic use,“ the report said.
The ECIU said the new license was a „distraction“ from policies that would have a „substantive and lasting impact on the UK's energy independence“.
Oil from new fields like Rosebank will be traded internationally – as the government admits, this oil is not destined for the UK and will not make a real difference to UK prices. ”
Dr. Simon Clan-McGreehin, Head of Analysis, ECIU
The ECIU study analyzed government data on oil production, North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) forecasts and oil demand and found that oil extraction from UK waters is „increasingly less important to the UK's energy independence and security“. It has said.
The analysis comes as the government on Monday planned to introduce new legislation in the House of Commons that would require new oil and gas licenses to be obtained every year rather than every five years.
continued push from Rishi Sunak The government has long been under scrutiny for drilling for oil in the sensitive North Sea region, prompting backlash from climate experts, opposition parties and even conservative MPs.
Rosebank faces strong opposition from environmentalists
(PA wire)
including climate change activists Greta Thunbergwas proven in Opposition to the Rosebank project took place in several parts of London in OctoberOver its lifetime, it could produce 500 million barrels of oil, which when burned would emit as much carbon dioxide as operating 56 coal-fired power plants for a year.
Two campaign groups, Greenpeace and Uplift, last announced separate legal challenges to the proposal, which are expected to be heard early this year.
However, the government is moving forward with plans to subsidize drilling in the North Sea, citing concerns about energy security.
In an interview with the BBC on Saturday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: „Even if we reach net zero in 2050, we will still get a significant proportion of our energy from fossil fuels, and domestic oil and gas will „It's four times cleaner than imported oil and gas.“ ”
In response to his comments, CCC interim chair Piers Foster tweeted: To meet the UK's targets, the UK's oil and gas consumption will need to be reduced by more than 80%. This and the police decision would make further licensing inconsistent with climate targets. ”
In September, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said Rosebank would help prevent young people from growing up „dependent on foreign dictators“ for energy security.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson told the PA news agency: “As energy markets become more volatile, it makes sense to maximize our advantages in the North Sea.
“That’s why we are supporting the UK oil and gas industry with annual licenses, supporting 200,000 jobs and billions of dollars in investment in British jobs and Britain’s own clean energy transition. It gives them certainty that they will free up their tax dollars.”
“As a net importer of oil and gas, the UK is producing less and less oil and gas than it uses. Carbon emissions will not increase beyond a certain carbon budget.”