Press Release
Adura has today welcomed the opening of public consultation by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) on the Jackdaw field.
The consultation, which has now opened and will run until 10th August 2026, forms part of the regulatory process required before Jackdaw can commence production.
Jackdaw is one of two advanced projects being progressed by Adura, alongside the Rosebank oil and gas field West of Shetland. Together, Jackdaw and Rosebank represent nationally significant projects for the UK that will support energy security, economic growth, skilled jobs, apprenticeships and substantial tax revenues for public spending priorities.
The two projects, which are at an advanced stage of development and construction, have already seen more than £3 billion invested to date. Combined, they will support:
- £28.7 billion contribution to the economy (GVA), spanning direct and supply chain activity throughout their producing lifespan.
- £1.4 billion in tax revenues before the end of this parliament, and a total of £3.8 billion before the expected end of the next parliament in 2034.
- More than £720 million in tax revenues per annum at peak production.
- 3,500 jobs at peak construction.
- 880 high-quality, well-paid jobs sustained throughout production in communities across the UK, and 125 apprenticeships.
Jackdaw and Rosebank can make up 10 per cent of UK natural gas production combined, with Jackdaw alone providing more than 6 per cent of UK gas supply by this winter – enough to heat 1.4 million homes. Rosebank will also make a significant contribution to security of oil supply in Europe, helping to deliver refined products such as jet fuel and motor fuels.
Oil and gas still supply around 75 per cent of the UK’s energy needs today. Without consent for both Jackdaw and Rosebank, the UK will be required to source the equivalent volume from international markets with greater geopolitical exposure and higher carbon intensity, on average, than oil and gas produced from UK waters, alongside the loss of associated benefits in good jobs, tax revenues and wider economic impact.
Across Adura’s portfolio, including Jackdaw, Rosebank and new developments, average production emissions intensity could be as little as half the North Sea average and around eight times lower than emissions intensity associated with imported liquid natural gas.
The Jackdaw platform is already installed in the North Sea and in the very final stages of preparations for starting up. It is tied back to the existing Shearwater Hub, using infrastructure already in place to bring gas onshore at St Fergus in Aberdeenshire. The retrofitted Petrojarl Rosebank Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel arrived at its location West of Shetland last month.
The launch of the consultation follows significant public and industry support for Jackdaw and Rosebank, including more than 2,000 signatories to an Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce open letter.
More than 170 UK-based supply chain companies – from Aberdeen to Newcastle, from Yorkshire to the Scottish Highlands and Islands – are supporting the delivery of these two major energy projects, demonstrating the national economic importance of energy projects on this scale.
Adura is also today launching a new online video highlighting the people and communities at the heart of delivering Jackdaw and Rosebank, and the skilled workers across the UK supply chain who stand ready to help bring these nationally important projects into production.
Neil McCulloch, Chief Executive of Adura, said:
“The North Sea has helped to power Britain for more than half a century. In Jackdaw and Rosebank we have two advanced projects of national importance that can define the next chapter.
“We welcome the opening of public consultation on Jackdaw and would encourage everyone who wants to see the UK strengthen its energy security, support skilled jobs and back its world-class energy supply chain to make their voice heard.
“Jackdaw is ready to make a major contribution to Britain’s energy needs by this winter. Alongside Rosebank, it represents a material economic opportunity that has already been realised through multibillion-pound investment – and can be sustained throughout the production life of both fields.
“Both these projects are high economic intensity, with lower carbon intensity than alternatives. They are being delivered by people, businesses and communities across the UK who have built up decades of expertise in the North Sea and want to use that expertise to help power the country for years to come.
“With timely approval of Jackdaw and Rosebank, Adura can help unlock significant benefits: the energy that Britain needs, at lower associated emissions and within existing carbon budgets, alongside a major economic advantage in the national interest.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The OPRED consultation on Jackdaw can be accessed here: Jackdaw Field Development – GOV.UK. The consultation is open until 10th August 2026.
Read Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s Open Letter in support of Jackdaw and Rosebank here: https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/2-000-back-jackdaw-and-rosebank-as-workers-charities-and-businesses-urge-government-to-get-projects-done
Adura’s online Jackdaw and Rosebank video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIMsdg5EWVk