News / Oil development criticised
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have hit out at the UK government after the Norwegian oil company Statoil has been given the green light for one of the biggest developments in the North Sea ever.
The development of the £4.6 billion Mariner heavy oil field, 90 miles east of Shetland, is predicted to produce up to 55,000 barrels a day, five per cent of the UK’s daily production.
WWF Scotland said granting drilling consent sent out the wrong message.
Its director Lang Banks said: “At a time when we should be doing everything we can do to cut climate emissions and wean ourselves off of oil, it’s disappointing to hear consent has been given to drill one of the biggest developments ever in the North Sea.
“Instead of giving oil companies tax-breaks to help squeeze every last drop of oil and gas out from beneath our seas, government should be taking steps to help prepare Scotland and the UK for a post-oil future.
“Ending subsidies for polluting oil and gas and providing better support for clean renewable energy sources would be in the best interests our future economy as well as our environment.”
UK energy secretary Ed Davey said the development was a vote of confidence in the oil and gas industry.
“The government is working hard with industry to ensure North Sea oil and gas continues to provide energy security and jobs.
“Our efforts to get unused fields into production, a fiscal regime that encourages investment – together with new, advanced technology – is extending UK oil and gas production beyond what was thought possible.
“The result is that North Sea investment is at an historic high, with Mariner joining an ever growing list of recent field approvals.”
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