The UK Government has been urged to end uncertainty over the North Sea and approve the Jackdaw gas field as a public consultation on the project closes today.
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said the case for the development was 'overwhelming', arguing that it would support jobs, investment and energy security while reducing reliance on higher-emission imported LNG.
A UK Government consultation on Jackdaw, 150 miles east of Aberdeen, closes today, while a consultation on Rosebank, north-west of Shetland, closes a week later.
Speaking in The Scotsman today, Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: 'Today marks the end of the Jackdaw consultation, and it should also mark the end of the uncertainty surrounding the UK oil and gas sector.
'The case for approval is overwhelming. Britain still needs gas, our domestic production is falling faster than demand, and Jackdaw alone could provide more than 6% of UK gas supply at peak production – enough to meet the annual heating needs of 1.4 million homes.
'If we choose not to produce that gas here, we will simply import more from overseas. Increasing our reliance on LNG - which compared with Jackdaw comes with emissions that are eight times higher - makes no economic, environmental or strategic sense.
'Jackdaw will support skilled British jobs, tax revenues and strategically important North Sea infrastructure while strengthening our energy security. And it can do all of that while we continue to accelerate the build-out of renewables.
'Billions of pounds have already been committed to Jackdaw and Rosebank. Investors, workers and communities across the North-east are now looking to government for a clear signal that Britain is serious about its energy security and its industrial future.
'It is time to end the madness of turning our backs on our own energy while paying other countries to produce it for us – at greater cost to our economy, our energy security and the planet. Approve Jackdaw, back British jobs and investment, and let’s start producing more of the energy we need here at home.'
A UK Government spokesperson said: 'The North Sea remains a vital national asset, supporting jobs, growth and the UK’s energy security.
'We are clear that oil and gas will continue to play an important role in our energy system for decades to come, alongside renewables, nuclear and other low-carbon technologies.
'Our focus is on providing stability and supporting North Sea workers and communities as they continue to make a vital contribution to the UK’s economy.'
Source: Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce
