Equinor CEO urges UK to approve Rosebank and Jackdaw fields

Equinor chief executive Anders Opedal has issued a direct appeal to the UK government to approve the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields without further delay. He described the current situation as a stark warning regarding the nation’s suitability for future investment, urging policymakers to adopt a more pragmatic approach. Opedal noted that the company has applied for consent twice and that its partner, Adura, has complied with all regulatory requirements. He expressed confidence that Rosebank would ultimately receive approval, with plans currently in place for first production in the first half of 2027.

Shadow energy security minister Andrew Bowie has amplified these concerns, warning that a refusal to proceed with the projects could mark the end of the North Sea oil and gas industry. He stated that the warning from Equinor is clear to Energy Secretary Andy Burnham, who must support the fields or face serious consequences. Bowie argued that if the Labour government continues its current stance, it would be inevitable for businesses like Equinor to cut jobs and leave the UK market permanently. He characterised the potential refusal as economic sacrilege and a dereliction of duty, asserting that the Prime Minister should be supporting the sector rather than contributing to its decline.

Bowie insisted that the first decision Burnham must make upon the return of Westminster is to approve these fields to protect jobs and safeguard investment. This is not the first time Opedal has raised concerns about the UK’s energy policy. Earlier this year, he described Rosebank as the foundation for trust in UK investment. He warned that investors with billions to spend require stability and predictability, cautioning that a lack of these factors risks raising the bar against future spending plans in the nation’s energy sector.