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Equinor boss warns UK risks becoming 'uninvestable' if Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields are blocked

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

A North Sea oil and gas rig, as Anders Opedal warns that blocking Rosebank — which could supply 8–10% of UK energy needs — would leave investors questioning whether Britain is "investable.
A North Sea oil and gas rig, as Anders Opedal warns that blocking Rosebank — which could supply 8–10% of UK energy needs — would leave investors questioning whether Britain is "investable.

Anders Opedal, chief executive of Norwegian energy giant Equinor, told the Energy Intelligence Forum in London that blocking the Rosebank and Jackdaw North Sea projects would be a 'major setback' for British energy security and jobs. He said Equinor and other investors would question whether the UK is 'investable' if the government refuses to approve the fields, which sit within Adura, a joint venture between Equinor and Shell.

Rosebank, Britain's largest untapped oil field, was approved under the Conservatives in 2023 but halted after Greenpeace's successful legal challenge, forcing fresh applications in 2025.

Russell Borthwick of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said the government 'should be extremely worried', warning investment, jobs and companies will go elsewhere if ministers get this wrong.

Opedal pointed out that Rosebank alone could supply 8-10% of UK energy needs, with first production planned for the first half of 2027 — if approved.

MoreDaily MailEnergy giant warns of threat to North Sea if Rosebank is blockedThe TelegraphNorway oil giant warns UK investment at risk unless Rosebank approvedGB NewsInvestors will not touch Britain if Rosebank is not approved, Norwegian energy giant warns - GB NewsThis is Money on MSNEnergy giant warns of threat to North Sea oil and gas if Rosebank and Jackdaw are blockedBBC News - BusinessUK risks being 'uninvestable' if new oil and gas fields not approved, warns EquinorFinancial TimesUK risks ‘uninvestable’ reputation if North Sea projects are blocked, says energy boss
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