Simone Rossi, chief executive of EDF Energy, has characterized new oil and gas projects in the North Sea as logical investments that align with the UK’s net zero commitments. He contends that fossil fuel infrastructure will remain necessary for decades as the country transitions away from hydrocarbon dependency, and that domestically produced resources should be utilized rather than imported from abroad.
Rossi cited several potential benefits of approving the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields, including job creation, increased government tax revenue to support households facing energy bills, and environmental advantages from reduced transportation emissions compared to imported fuel. He emphasized that genuine emissions reductions will ultimately depend on decreasing fossil fuel consumption at the point of use through electrification.
Rossi joins a growing coalition of prominent figures advocating for expanded North Sea production. This group includes Greg Jackson of Octopus Energy, Jürgen Maier formerly of GB Energy, Tara Singh of RenewableUK, and political figures such as former chancellor Rachel Reeves, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey. The support cuts across traditional political lines, aligning with Labour’s election manifesto provision allowing new developments from already-licensed areas or adjacent fields.
Environmental organizations and Green Party leader Zack Polanski have opposed final approval of the projects, citing recent climate-related heatwaves and price volatility. Both projects already hold licenses granted under the previous Conservative government, allowing ministerial approval without violating campaign commitments. The government is expected to reach a decision within weeks, with timing potentially influenced by an upcoming byelection in Holborn and St Pancras where Polanski is campaigning.
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