The UK government has acknowledged that oil from the Rosebank field, a controversial oilfield off Shetland, will be sold internationally rather than to UK consumers.
In a written statement, the government said that it is not desirable to compel private companies to allocate North Sea oil and gas for domestic use.
The government also stated that due to UK refinery specifications and global market conditions, about 80% of the oil produced in the UK is refined overseas into products demanded by the UK market.
The statements were made in answer to a parliamentary question posed by Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle.
According to a report in the Guardian, he criticised the government’s response, arguing that the Rosebank project is not about supplying the UK with oil and gas, but a gimmick aimed at a section of the electorate unconcerned about the planet’s future.
This contradicts previous claims that the development of the field would enhance UK energy security and benefit UK consumers.
The Rosebank field, approved in September, could produce 500 million barrels of oil over its lifetime. The carbon dioxide emissions from this would be equivalent to running 56 coal-fired power stations for a year.
The project has faced significant opposition from hundreds of climate scientists, academics, more than 200 organisations, and tens of thousands of UK citizens.
Greenpeace and Uplift, two campaign groups, have announced separate legal challenges to the proposal.
Despite warnings from scientists, the government has defended the project, claiming it will meet energy needs, support UK jobs, generate tax revenues and attract investment.
However, the government’s response to Russell-Moyle’s question suggests that the project will not significantly impact the UK’s energy security or reduce soaring household bills.