But industry bodies argue that starting production at the sites would provide much-needed jobs and improve the UK’s energy security as overseas conflicts threaten supply.
Advocates of the project also told the that Jackdaw’s output is critical to extending the life of other North Sea infrastructure including Shearwater – a large offshore oil and gas production hub that processes hydrocarbons before piping them to coastal refineries and terminals.
Adura said that if approval comes in September, the field could start delivering gas to UK homes by this winter as the construction is “99% complete”.
A public consultation on the future of Jackdaw and another new oil field, Rosebank, closed in August and the decision now rests with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday, Energy Minister Kate White said that the energy secretary would make separate decisions on the two sites, but gave no indication of the timings of an announcement.
“The process ended in August, and the Secretary of State will be taking those decisions in due course,” she told MPs.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said there needs to be a “pragmatic approach” towards domestic oil and gas.
“We won’t be able to stop using oil and gas for some time. That’s just a fact,” he said.
“The question is whether we can accelerate use of it so that we pay for the transition.”