Conservatives Aim to Lift Net Zero Restrictions on North Sea Oil

The leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has pledged to eliminate all net zero requirements for oil and gas companies operating in the North Sea if her party wins the next election. In a speech scheduled for Tuesday in Aberdeen, Badenoch will formally outline a strategy focused on “maximising extraction” and ensuring that “all our oil and gas” are sourced from the North Sea.

This announcement marks a significant shift in the Conservative approach to climate policy. Badenoch previously suggested that achieving net zero emissions by 2050 would be “impossible,” contradicting the commitments made by successive UK governments, including those under Theresa May, which enshrined the target into law in 2019. The net zero goal requires the UK to cut its carbon emissions to a level that balances out the amount produced, aligning with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

Badenoch’s remarks indicate a departure from the current government’s stance, which has committed to a “fair and orderly transition” away from fossil fuels. A government spokesperson emphasized that exploring new fields would not alleviate energy costs or improve security but could exacerbate the ongoing climate crisis. The spokesperson stated that the government’s approach aims to stimulate economic growth while investing in renewable energy sources.

The Conservative leader criticized the existing regulations, arguing that they hinder oil and gas producers in the North Sea, adversely affecting the economy. She asserted that it is “absurd” for the UK to leave “vital resources untapped” while countries such as Norway continue to extract from the same seabed. Badenoch proposed removing the obligation for companies to reduce emissions or invest in carbon storage technologies.

In 2023, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak granted 100 new licences for drilling in the North Sea, asserting that this decision was “entirely consistent” with net zero commitments. In contrast, the opposition party, Reform UK, has expressed support for increasing fossil fuel extraction from the North Sea, pledging to abolish net zero ambitions if elected.

The current government highlights its substantial investments in renewable energy, citing the “biggest ever investment in offshore wind” and the establishment of three pioneering carbon capture and storage clusters. These facilities aim to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by industrial processes and power stations, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. The International Energy Agency and the Climate Change Committee regard carbon capture and storage as essential for meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets.

As the debate over the UK’s energy strategy intensifies, Badenoch’s proposals are likely to provoke significant discussion about the balance between economic growth and environmental responsibilities. The approach taken by the Conservative Party will not only shape the future of the North Sea’s oil and gas sector but also influence the broader context of the UK’s climate commitments.