Why UK needs Rosebank oil field for far more than just fuel – David Whitehouse
Among other things, oil-derived products are used in road-building, medicines, mobile phones and components for electric vehicle batteries
Britain faces a choice that goes beyond one North Sea oilfield over Rosebank. We can develop our own energy resources, supporting jobs and investment, or become increasingly dependent on imports while sending those benefits overseas.
Rosebank is often portrayed as a choice between climate action and more oil and gas. It isn’t. We must tackle climate change and cut emissions. But we must also recognise that we will need oil and gas for decades, both for energy and everyday products.
A new House of Commons Library briefing, drawing on official projections, underlines the challenge. Between 2025 and 2050, Britain’s oil demand is expected to be 2.6 times domestic production. By the late 2030s, imports could account for around 70 per cent of our needs.
65% of UK oil used in UK
These are stark figures as Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh considers whether to approve Rosebank, west of Shetland, following last month’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field.
Rosebank has undergone further environmental scrutiny following a court ruling last year, including assessments of emissions from the eventual use of its oil and gas. That scrutiny is essential. But so is recognising the consequences of producing less oil while continuing to consume it.
Critics argue that much of Rosebank’s oil would be exported, doing little for energy security. Yet independent analysis by Wood Mackenzie found that 65 per cent of UK-produced oil ultimately serves the domestic market, directly or through Europe’s refining network.
From bitumen to ibuprofen
Crude exported to European refineries can return as petrol, diesel and other products. Exporting oil does not mean consumers see no benefit. Oil is also about more than fuel.
Anyone who has driven over a pothole on a Scottish road knows how badly repairs are needed. What they might not realise is that bitumen, derived from crude oil, binds together the asphalt needed to fix them.
Oil-derived products are also used to make medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, hospital equipment, mobile phones and components for electric vehicle batteries. The energy transition will change how we use oil, but not eliminate our need for products made from it.
For Scotland, Rosebank represents a significant economic opportunity. The £8.7 billion development would support skilled jobs, apprenticeships and contracts across the north-east, Fife, Shetland and beyond. For young people, these are opportunities to build careers without leaving their communities.
Andy Burnham has spoken about reindustrialising Britain. But that depends on retaining the skilled workforce and specialist businesses we already have.
Strong public support for Rosebank
New Offshore Energies UK research found that just 35 per cent of offshore supply chain companies surveyed were confident about their UK outlook. Eight in 10 expect more future investment and growth overseas.
These engineering firms and specialist contractors will be needed for offshore wind, carbon capture and cleaner energy technologies.
Recent Opinium polling found 63 per cent of people support approving Rosebank, rising to 65 per cent among 2024 Labour voters. Even among Green voters, almost four in 10 backed it.
Rosebank cannot solve Britain’s energy challenges alone. But approval would help sustain investment, skills and domestic production.
We must tackle climate change. The question is whether we produce the oil and gas we still need here, supporting British jobs and investment, or become increasingly reliant on imports. Rosebank is an opportunity to make that choice.
David Whitehouse is chief executive of Offshore Energies UK
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