Fourteen Years of North Sea Oil Licences Have Produced Just 36 Days Worth of Gas
Research casts doubt on Conservative claims that new drilling would cut bills and boost energy security
Research by energy consultancy Voar and campaign group Uplift found that between 2010 and 2024, the government handed out hundreds of new North Sea oil and gas licences across seven licensing rounds. The meagre output undermines the central argument made by drilling advocates — that new North Sea production is essential for British energy independence.
The findings are particularly pointed given the current energy crisis driven by the Iran war, which has sent oil and gas prices soaring globally. Critics of renewable energy have used the conflict to argue for more domestic fossil fuel production, but the data suggests new North Sea licences deliver negligible quantities on any meaningful timeline.
The Labour government has already moved to restrict new North Sea licensing, a policy that has been fiercely contested by the industry and Conservative opposition.
Analysis
Why This Matters
The energy security debate has intensified dramatically since the Iran war began. This research provides hard data on whether new drilling actually delivers the supply its advocates promise.
Background
The North Sea has been a major oil and gas province since the 1970s, but production has been declining for decades as fields mature. New licences tend to target smaller, more marginal deposits that take years to develop.
Key Perspectives
The oil industry argues the data is misleading because new fields take years to reach production. Environmental groups say it proves the futility of chasing diminishing fossil fuel returns instead of investing in renewables.
What to Watch
How this data influences the UK's ongoing energy policy debate, particularly as the Iran war keeps prices elevated.