EurOil: Sturgeon says extra North Sea hydrocarbons not the answer

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that ramping up North Sea oil and gas production is not a short-term solution to Europe’s significant dependency on Russian gas.

The UK and US are banning imports of Russian oil, while the EU has ambitious plans to reduce its use of Russian gas by two thirds within a single year, in light of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The Scottish Conservatives have called for North Sea production to be raised in order to help replace Russian imports. But Sturgeon said it would take years to launch new oil and gas fields.

The best strategy, she said, is to “accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.” She also called on the UK government to take steps to shield households from soaring energy prices.

Sturgeon notably opposed the development of the large-sized Cambo oil and gas development West of Shetlands because of its climate impact. And while not explicitly linked to her comments, Shell shortly afterwards announced in December it was withdrawing from the project. In spite of surging oil and gas prices, Shell said at the time that the economic case for Cambo was not sufficient and there was a potential for delays. The project had been the target of a prolonged campaign by environmentalists.

Sturgeon’s position on North Sea oil and gas is in contrast with that of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has stressed the need for extra domestic oil and gas to curb Russian imports and bring down energy prices. He is due to present a revised energy strategy in the coming days.

Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross agrees, arguing that projects like the mothballed Cambo field could “help reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian oil and gas.” He acknowledged that climate targets were important, but said that “Russia’s war has changed the situation and we need to accept that.”

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