Key Takeaways
- The Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea is expected to generate only 27 direct full-time jobs.
- Environmental groups are urging Andy Burnham to reject new drilling plans, citing minimal job creation.
- Industry documents reveal that more people can fit on a standard London bus than will be directly employed by the project.
Anti-fossil fuel campaigners have raised concerns over the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea, arguing that it would create only 27 direct full-time jobs. This figure has been highlighted as insufficient to justify the environmental impact of drilling for natural gas.
According to an environmental impact assessment filed by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Norway’s Equinor, the project is expected to employ just 27 people in full-time roles. The number is so small that it can be compared to the passenger capacity of a standard London bus, which typically accommodates around 80 passengers.
The campaign against the Jackdaw gasfield has gained momentum as environmental groups urge Andy Burnham, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to rule out new drilling. They argue that these jobs are not significant enough to offset potential environmental damage or to contribute meaningfully to local economies.
In a statement, one campaigner emphasized the lack of substantial employment benefits: 'With more than 80 people fitting on a bus, it’s clear that this project will barely make a dent in job creation. We need to focus on sustainable energy solutions that can genuinely support communities and protect our environment.'
The environmental impact assessment further details the minimal nature of the project's employment potential, highlighting that the gasfield is one of the largest remaining in the North Sea but still fails to meet expectations for significant job creation.
Campaigners are calling for a comprehensive review of the project’s economic and environmental impacts. They argue that investing in renewable energy sources would provide more substantial benefits both economically and environmentally compared to the Jackdaw gasfield.
Andy Burnham has not yet commented on the campaign against the Jackdaw gasfield, but his office is expected to respond soon with a statement addressing the concerns raised by environmental groups. The decision could have far-reaching implications for future drilling projects in the North Sea and the government’s broader energy strategy.
