The International Energy Agency stated that in order to achieve global climate goals, no new oil and gas projects should proceed. Environmentalists criticize the plan.
On Monday, the 31st, Great Britain committed to granting hundreds of licenses for oil and gas extraction in the North Sea, as part of efforts to become more energy independent, drawing criticism from environmental activists.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed the plans for over 100 licenses of this kind, which attracted bids earlier this year, and said that hundreds of future licenses could also be granted. He also announced new support for two carbon capture and storage (CCS) hubs in Scotland and Northern England.
Great Britain aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that even by that date, the country is expected to obtain more than a quarter of its energy from oil and gas. The new domestic fossil fuels will help improve energy security and reduce dependence on countries like Russia.
“We have all witnessed how Putin manipulated and weaponized energy. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we strengthen our energy security,” he said in a statement.
