Powering British homes could send ‘wrecking ball’ through climate commitments

Today the British Prime Minister announced plans to approve around a 100 new North Sea oil and gas licenses at risk of shattering 2050 net-zero plans.

In 2022, under Boris Johnson’s Cabinet, the government pledged to make Britain energy independent – the aim was to ensure Britain could power the nation from its own sources, rather than rely on sourcing fuels from foreign countries.

Against this backdrop, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has announced plans to grant hundreds of new oil and gas licenses for the North Sea.

Whilst announcing plans this morning, Mr Sunak claimed by investing in more licenses, people will be able to heat their homes more efficiently and it will help create 50,000 job roles.

On the surface these plans seem like a good idea. The current cost-of-living crisis has forced energy bills to skyrocket, leaving thousands of people in debt or out of pocket. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), gas and electricity prices rose by 36.2% and 17.3% in the year to June 2023.

However, the move to approve new licenses will deepen policy splits between the government and the labour party as they have proposed a block on all domestic new oil and gas drilling as part of its strategy to achieve zero-carbon electricity by 2030.

Shadow climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, accused Rishi Sunak of lurching towards a ‘culture war on climate’ t make up for ’13 years of failed tory energy policy.’

In addition, Chris Skidmore, former tory energy minister, said the plan was ‘the wrong decision at precisely the wrong time,’ and he would be demanding an emergency debate as soon as MPs return from summer recess.

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), which is responsible for regulating the oil, gas and carbon storage industries, is currently running the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round, and they expect to award more than 100 new licenses in the autumn.

Although such plans have prompted alarm from climate campaigners. Friends of the Earth head of policy, Mike Childs, said: ‘Rishi Sunak’s energy security drive should focus on energy efficiency and the UK’s vast home-grown renewable resources, rather than championing more costly and dirty fossil fuels.

‘Climate change is already battering the planet with unprecedented wildfires and heatwaves across the globe. Granting hundreds of new oil and gas licences will simply pour more fuel on the flames, while doing nothing for energy security as these fossil fuels will be sold on international markets and not reserved for UK use.’

Following the announcement of plans, the Prime Minister has also confirmed locations for two new carbon capture usage and storage clusters ahead of a visit to Aberdeenshire today -with billions expected to be pumped into the schemes.

Ahead of his visit to Scotland, Mr Sunak said: ‘We have all witnessed how Putin has manipulated and weaponised energy – disrupting supply and stalling growth in countries around the world.

‘Now more than ever, it’s vital that we bolster our energy security and capitalise on that independence to deliver more affordable, clean energy to British homes and businesses.

‘Even when we’ve reached net-zero in 2050, a quarter of our energy needs will come from oil and gas.

‘We’re choosing to power up Britain from Britain and invest in crucial industries such as carbon capture and storage, rather than depend on more carbon-intensive gas imports from overseas – which will support thousands of skilled jobs, unlock further opportunities for green technologies and grow the economy.’

Image: Paul Einerhand