UK approves development of Jackdaw gasfield in North Sea

The UK government has approved development of the Jackdaw gasfield off Scotland, with the site expected to begin supplying UK homes by the end of the month. Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the project could raise domestic gas production by about 6 percent at its peak and strengthen energy security, but would not lower household bills. Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the decision as protecting hundreds of jobs and said it would not undermine renewable energy targets. The government also launched a 2-billion-pound fund for renewable and low-carbon projects, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski called the approval “climate vandalism.”