Jackdaw gas field to supply just two days of winter fuel

The newly approved Jackdaw gas field will contribute only two days of extra gas to the United Kingdom's supply this winter, according to new data released on Monday. The finding challenges government assertions that the project will materially improve national energy security during the current heating season. Campaigners argue the output is negligible compared to total winter demand.

Analysis by the anti-oil group Uplift relied on figures provided by Adura, the joint venture operating the field. The group compared Adura's production estimates with official projections for UK gas consumption in 2026. Their calculations suggest Jackdaw will cover just half a day of national demand before the year ends.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham endorsed the drilling plan in October, stating the site would support the country's energy security with homegrown gas. He added that the project would help minimize reliance on imported fuels with higher emissions. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh previously described the venture as a key component of domestic supply.

Adura is a partnership between Shell and Equinor. Both companies reported strong financial results for the third quarter of 2026, with Shell posting profits of 8 billion pounds and Equinor recording 2 billion pounds. Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, stated that Burnham was overselling the project's impact. She noted that the field would barely heat homes this winter and would not significantly strengthen energy security.

The government admitted that the new drilling will create only 27 new jobs. The UK Energy Research Centre previously stated that Jackdaw would not reduce energy bills. Ofgem forecasts the price cap for typical households will rise to 2,100 pounds per year in January. This increase comes despite the Chancellor's recent promise of a 100 pound payment to families in Council Tax bands A to D to offset energy costs.

Labour backbencher Richard Burgon MP said the new figures show the approval flies in the face of available evidence. He urged the government not to approve the Rosebank oil field, which is currently subject to legal challenges. Lang Banks, director at WWF Scotland, claimed the public had been misled about the security of supply benefits. He argued the decision would not reduce the cost of soaring energy bills.

An Adura spokesperson countered that Jackdaw will provide an estimated six percent of projected UK North Sea gas production at peak output. They stated this volume is enough to heat the equivalent of 1.4 million homes. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson described the criticism as a misleading view of supply security. They maintained that the project boosts energy security, protects jobs, and adds an estimated 2.9 billion pounds to the UK economy.

The Green MP for Bristol Central, Carla Denyer, called the decision irresponsible. She said the government appeared to prioritize fossil fuel company profits over consumer savings and planetary safety. The End Fuel Poverty Coalition's coordinator, Simon Francis, described the 100 pound rebate as badly targeted and insufficient to cover rising living costs.