Developing North Sea fields does not contradict net zero goals, according to Simone Rossi, the head of EDF Energy.
Key Statements
Rossi has stated that new oil and gas projects are a "no-brainer" that pose "no contradiction" to the net zero agenda. He has joined a number of renewables leaders advocating for increased North Sea production as the government prepares to make decisions on two significant projects: Rosebank and Jackdaw.
Government Decisions
Rossi urged ministers to approve these projects while also accelerating support for heat pumps and electric vehicles. He emphasized:
“"It will take decades to wean off from that dependency. So while this is happening we should use the resources that we’ve got rather than importing them from afar. For me, it’s really a no-brainer. It is not in contradiction."
Economic Impact
According to Rossi, new North Sea developments could create jobs and increase government tax revenues, which could help households struggling with energy bills. He noted that locally produced fossil fuels have lower emissions than imports due to reduced transportation distances:
“"In the UK the only way we can reduce emissions is to genuinely reduce the usage of fossil fuels at the point of use. Over time, the only solution is electricity."
Industry Support
EDF Energy, which generates about a fifth of the UK’s low-carbon electricity, has become a prominent advocate for climate action while also supporting increased North Sea production. Other supporters include:
- Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy
- Jürgen Maier, former boss of GB Energy
- Tara Singh, head of RenewableUK
