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UK Set to Delay Decision on Jackdaw North Sea Gas Field

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Britain is expected to delay a decision on developing the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea until after an Oct. 8 by-election, prolonging uncertainty over a project the government says remains under consideration.

The decision had been expected as early as this month but is now likely to come in late autumn, British newspaper the Telegraph reported, citing government sources. The UK energy department said there was no agreed timetable and that any decision would take into account environmental assessments and public consultation responses.

The delay would come ahead of the closely watched by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, where Green Party leader Zack Polanski is standing against Labor candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali. Polanski has made opposition to new North Sea oil and gas development a campaign issue.

The Jackdaw field, operated by a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, is one of two major North Sea projects awaiting fresh government consent after a legal challenge overturned earlier environmental approvals.

Supporters say Jackdaw could strengthen Britain's domestic gas supply at a time of heightened concern over energy security. The field is expected to supply gas directly to the UK market.

Opponents argue that approving new fossil-fuel production conflicts with Britain's climate commitments.

Conservative lawmaker Andrew Bowie has urged the government to decide before Parliament's recess, arguing that further delays could push offshore work into winter, when weather conditions could complicate operations.

Adura, the Shell-Equinor joint venture developing Jackdaw, said the project could begin supplying British homes and businesses within weeks of receiving government consent. It said Jackdaw and the separate Rosebank project together could contribute more than 28 billion British pounds ($38 billion) to the UK economy and support more than 3,500 jobs at peak construction.

The government has not indicated whether it intends to approve either project. Jackdaw's formal consent remains with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.

Adura and the Department of Energy Security & Net Zero did not immediately respond to requests for comment from.

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