UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is reportedly “minded” to reject the Rosebank oilfield after approving the smaller Jackdaw gas field, though no final decision has been made.

On Oct. 21, Fahnbulleh approved production consent for the Jackdaw gas field (east of Aberdeen). But at the same time, officials and sources told The Guardian that she is leaning toward refusing approval for Rosebank, one of the largest undeveloped oil fields in the UK North Sea (roughly 80 miles/128 km northwest of Shetland). A ruling is expected before the end of 2026. 

Fahnbulleh has drawn a clear distinction between the projects. She told The Guardian that Jackdaw is “a gasfield that caters for the domestic market,” while Rosebank “is an oilfield that is mainly for export.” She reportedly stressed that each application must be judged on its own merits and remain consistent with the UK’s climate obligations, carbon budgets, and the path to net zero. 

According to the reporting, officials have noted that Rosebank would emit roughly seven times the carbon of Jackdaw and is seen as contributing less to UK energy security. 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has described the reports as speculation, reiterating that each project will be assessed on its own merits. On Oct. 22, Fahnbulleh told reporters that the decision is hers alone under a “tight” regulatory/quasi-judicial framework designed to withstand court scrutiny. She said only she can make the final call and that overriding it would risk the decision being overturned in court. She indicated she will weigh climate impacts alongside economic factors such as jobs and growth. 

Background on the projects

Jackdaw gas field:

• Original consent under the previous Conservative government was quashed by the Scottish Court of Session (following a Supreme Court precedent on Scope 3 emissions from burning the fuel).
• Revised assessments were completed and consent was granted this week.
• Production is expected to begin within weeks.
• Ministers argue it supports energy security with relatively lower-carbon domestic supply during the transition.

Rosebank oil field: 

• It is the largest remaining undeveloped UK oil field, with recoverable resources estimated around 300 million barrels (mostly oil, with some associated gas).
• It was discovered in 2004.
• Final investment decision and initial NSTA consent took place in 2023 under the Conservatives (roughly $3.8 billion Phase 1 investment).
• Consent was similarly quashed in early 2025 for inadequate consideration of downstream (Scope 3) emissions.
• It is operated by Adura (Shell/Equinor joint venture, ~80%) with Ithaca Energy holding 20%.
• First production had been targeted for 2026-27 if approved.
• Peak employment support has been estimated in the region of 1,200 jobs, and industry figures have highlighted tax revenue potential.