Jackdaw, a major fossil fuel development off the Aberdeen coast, was first approved for a license in June 2022, but the decision was overturned in the courts following a legal challenge from green groups in January 2025.
The project’s developer is Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, who are the majority owners, and Ithaca Energy.
Adura estimates Jackdaw could meet around 6% of the U.K.’s North Sea gas production – enough fuel to heat the equivalent of 1.4 million homes.
The government declined to comment when approached by POLITICO.
Additional reporting by Abby Wallace and Charlie Cooper.