Introduction: A Defining Moment for PM Burnham
The potential approval of new drilling at the Rosebank oil and gas field, located approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles) west of Shetland in the North Sea, is shaping up to be a critical early challenge for the newly appointed British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham. Reports suggesting a possible endorsement of further North Sea exploration, though unconfirmed by Burnham's team, have generated diverse reactions, from enthusiasm among international figures like US President Donald Trump to strong opposition from environmental groups and local communities.
Community and Environmental Concerns
Andrea Sanchez Quiroz, a resident of Shetland since 2020, has emerged as a prominent voice against the Rosebank project. Motivated by concerns for a stable climate and the availability of essential resources for future generations, Sanchez Quiroz has actively participated in the Shetland Stop Rosebank movement since 2021. Her activism highlights the potential global climate consequences of increased fossil fuel extraction, alongside specific local impacts such as damage to the protected Faroe-Shetland sponge belt marine ecosystem. "As a planet, we are facing a big ecological crisis," she stated, emphasizing the need to transition away from fossil fuel dependency.
The Rosebank project has faced considerable legal and civil resistance across the UK. Robert Palmer, deputy director of the environmental organization Uplift and a member of the Stop Rosebank coalition, characterized the decision on Rosebank as "the key climate test for this government." He underscored that scientific consensus indicates proceeding with Rosebank is incompatible with the UK's stated climate commitments.
The Rosebank Project: Background and Current Status
The Rosebank oilfield, considered the UK's largest unexploited oil and gas field, received initial drilling permission from the UK government in 2023. However, this approval was later challenged legally by Uplift and Greenpeace, leading to a January 2025 ruling that deemed the consent for both Rosebank and Shell's Jackdaw field unlawful. This judgment necessitated that developers seek new governmental approval, with a renewed environmental impact assessment now including downstream emissions from burning extracted fossil fuels.
The re-approval process for Rosebank commenced in September 2025. In June, Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Norwegian state-owned energy company Equinor, submitted its final reports concerning downstream emissions. Early July saw the UK government initiate a public notice period, set to conclude on August 17, after which Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh will issue the final decision. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has refrained from commenting on individual projects during this period.
Adura maintains that the Rosebank project aligns with the UK's net-zero by 2050 target. However, energy transition researcher Greg Muttitt argues that climate change is a global issue, making the cumulative impact of global fossil fuel extraction paramount. He suggests that Rosebank could only be justifiable if a significant number of existing oilfields worldwide were simultaneously closed, a scenario he views as highly improbable.
Financial Stakes and Ethical Concerns
While Adura is the primary developer, Aberdeen-based Ithaca Energy holds a 20 percent stake in Rosebank. Ithaca Energy is a subsidiary of the Israeli energy conglomerate Delek Group, which has been listed by the United Nations for its activities in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and its supply of fuel to the Israeli military and police via Delek Israel. Dave Black, energy apartheid campaign lead at the Aberdeen chapter of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), described Delek as a "key actor within the Zionist infrastructure" that generates substantial profits for Israel.
Since 2020, Delek has accrued over $1 billion from Ithaca's North Sea operations, a figure that would increase with the approval of Rosebank and the adjacent Cambo field, which Ithaca wholly owns. In January, SPSC formally notified the UK government about potential breaches of international law, including the obligation to prevent genocide, concerns that were echoed by former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf. Although the Scottish government lacks jurisdiction over offshore oil and gas projects, a spokesperson indicated that ministers expect the UK government to consider the UN database seriously in its decision-making. Black emphasized that the opposition extends beyond financial flows to Israel, aiming to challenge the normalization of business with a state facing accusations of ongoing genocide. Ithaca Energy, in response, asserted that it operates under "the highest standards of corporate governance" and contributes significantly to the UK economy and energy security.
The Path to a Just Transition
As the Rosebank decision looms, representatives from the fossil fuel industry, including Adura's chief executive Neil McCulloch, advocate for the project, citing its potential to bolster the economy, enhance energy security, and create jobs in a declining sector. However, Muttitt counters that approximately 80 percent of the oil produced from Rosebank would likely be exported, challenging the notion of it primarily serving UK energy needs. He further contends that the UK cannot realistically achieve oil and gas self-sufficiency due to diminishing reserves.
Palmer of Uplift advocates for the government to intensify its focus on renewable energy development, supporting initiatives such as solar panels, heat pumps, and public transport. In Shetland, where the oil and gas industry has historically been central to the economy, many residents express support for new developments. Sanchez Quiroz acknowledges this perspective, stressing the importance of a collaborative approach to transitioning workers into new industries and finding sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Muttitt concurs, highlighting the government's responsibility to ensure that job creation in the renewable energy sector effectively replaces positions lost in the contracting oil and gas industry.
Source: Original Article
