U.K. approves long-delayed gas field in the North Sea despite climate concerns

Britain on Wednesday approved the Jackdaw North Sea gas field, ending years of legal and political wrangling as the Labour government seeks to balance its climate goals with energy security concerns.

Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the project would begin supplying gas to British homes and businesses by the end of this month, helping ease energy costs that have surged during the Iran war.

Higher energy prices have weighed on households and businesses, dragging on Britain’s economy and prompting US President Donald Trump to repeatedly urge Prime Minister Andy Burnham to expand North Sea drilling to help lower costs.

The government said Jackdaw would raise domestic gas production by about 6% at peak output and operate for up to 11 years, calling it “a source of national strength” during a period of global instability.

“At a time when people are really struggling, it’s right that we look in a responsible way at maximizing the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help,” Burnham said.

Burnham, who took office in July, has sought to balance pressure to tackle rising bills with demands from some Labour lawmakers to reduce fossil fuel use.

North Sea oil and gas fields have generated…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business