Greenpeace legal challenge to Rosebank oil field given go-ahead

The Scottish government has said it has a “presumption against” new oil and gas exploration.

However, First Minister John Swinney said in June that it would still be needed “for a period of time” to help the country meet its net-zero targets by 2045.

The UK government has pledged that oil and gas would play an important role in the economy “for decades to come” as the UK transitions to clean energy.

It is planning to consult later this year on its manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields.

The NSTA said it would not comment on a live case.

Equinor declined to comment on the court challenge, but said it was continuing to “work closely with all relevant parties to progress the project”.

Shell said all “relevant concerns and permits” had been put in place for the Jackdaw gas field.

The firm said it would argue that existing consents should remain in place when the case goes before the Court of Session in November.

A spokesperson added: “Jackdaw is a vital project for UK energy security that is already well under way.

“Stopping the work is a highly complex process, with significant technical and safety issues now that infrastructure is in place and drilling has started in the North Sea.”