President Donald Trump commended the United Kingdom for its decision to resume oil drilling in the North Sea, asserting that this would economically benefit the country. However, this move has drawn criticism from climate activist groups, who view it as a significant reversal of the UK’s efforts to combat climate change.
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump reiterated his criticisms of windmills, which he frequently addresses.
“Great news for the wealth and prosperity of the United Kingdom, and the wonderful region of Aberdeen. The U.K. has started drilling in the North Sea, one of the greatest and most prosperous areas of OIL in the World,” Trump wrote. “They should go FULL BLAST!!! This will make the U.K. very wealthy again. TAKE DOWN THE COSTLY AND RIDICULOUS WINDMILLS!”
The UK’s government had previously imposed a ban on new fossil fuel drilling.
This announcement coincides with rising global energy prices, which are influenced by various geopolitical issues, including the crisis in Iran that threatens the Strait of Hormuz, damage to Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has limited Russian refining and export capabilities.
The Jackdaw drilling project had been anticipated for months, especially as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced pressure from both the UK fuel sector and the Trump administration.
UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh endorsed the project on Wednesday, stating that it would begin supplying gas to homes and businesses by the end of the month.
Jackdaw is one of two significant drilling projects proposed by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) off the Scottish coast, with the other being the Rosebank project, which is planned for a location further north near Shetland.
OEUK claims these projects could contribute:
- £28.7 billion in Gross Value Added over their operational lifespans.
- £9.1 billion in supply-chain contributions.
- £1.4 billion in tax revenues by the end of the current Parliament, potentially rising to £3.8 billion before the anticipated conclusion of the next Parliament in 2034.
- Over 3,500 jobs at peak construction.
- 880 ongoing jobs during production, with an average salary around £85,850.
- A minimum of 125 apprenticeships to help develop the workforce needed for both the North Sea and the broader energy transition.
Rosebank is also projected to create long-term employment opportunities for ports, manufacturers, engineering firms, vessel operators, and specialized energy companies, according to OEUK.
The Jackdaw project is expected to operate for 11 years, while Rosebank has a projected lifespan of 25 years.
