Ministers who support development of the Rosebank oilfield have been privately told the project could be approved without breaching the United Kingdom’s legally binding carbon budgets because emissions from oil that is exported would not be counted against domestic targets.
The assessment, according to government insiders, has bolstered voices within the cabinet pressing for a go-ahead for the giant field. Those advocating approval argue the accounting approach would allow exploitation of the resource while keeping the government within its statutory emissions limits.
The disclosure follows reporting that Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh had been inclined to reject the proposal, a stance that has placed her at odds with some colleagues. Among those lobbying for approval is Chancellor John Healey, according to those familiar with the discussions, underscoring a division at the top of government over the project.
The reasoning that exported emissions would not count towards the UK’s carbon budgets is likely to draw dismay from environmental groups and campaigners, who have argued that lifecycle and exported emissions should be factored into national climate commitments. The debate highlights a broader policy tension between short-term energy and economic considerations and longer-term climate obligations.
Ministers remain split on the issue, and the matter is likely to continue to generate scrutiny from opposition politicians, industry stakeholders and campaign groups. How the government resolves the accounting question and whether it proceeds with approval could have implications for both domestic climate policy and the UK’s international climate commitments.