North Sea Licences Yield Mere 36 Days of Gas, Undermining Tory Energy Claims
Hundreds of new oil and gas licences issued in the North Sea under Conservative governments have produced only 36 days' worth of gas to date, according to exclusive analysis. Research by the energy consultancy Voar and the campaign group Uplift found that between 2010 and 2024, the government granted hundreds of licences across seven licensing rounds, leading to 20 new and relicensed fields.
Over their lifetime, these fields are projected to supply enough gas for the UK for just six months, with current output equivalent to a mere 36 days of extra gas. The findings cast significant doubt on assertions by Reform UK and the Conservatives that new drilling licences would help reduce energy bills and enhance the UK's energy security.
Experts Decry 'Dangerous Fantasy' of Endless Gas Reserves
Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, accused rightwing politicians and the oil and gas industry of misleading the public. "Some politicians are trying to sell us a dangerous fantasy of endless gas reserves, when the truth is – after 50 years of drilling – we have already burned most of it," Khan stated. "A month's worth of gas from 14 years of licensing by the last government shows the complete folly of pursuing this policy. It's barely enough gas to last from now until May Day."
Experts describe the North Sea as a 'mature basin' with output declining by 75% since its peak, and 90% of its reserves already depleted. They argue new licences would have no impact on bills because prices are set by international markets, and official data indicates minimal effect on the UK's dependency on imported gas.
Political Debate Intensifies Amid Energy Price Rises
The debate over energy security has intensified due to rising prices linked to global conflicts, such as the US-Israeli war in Iran. Labour's policy to ban new oil and gas licensing and focus on homegrown renewable energy has garnered support from many economists and climate experts, but faced repeated attacks from figures like Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage.
Farage urged the prime minister to "open up the licences, and become self-sufficient in natural gas," while Badenoch claimed drilling in the North Sea and expanding other sources is the only way to protect families from rising bills. However, campaigners counter that a more effective strategy involves doubling down on renewable energy and implementing mass home improvements, such as better insulation and heat pumps.
Call for Renewable Focus Over 'Sticking Plaster' Solutions
Jess Ralston, head of energy at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, labelled issuing more licences a "sticking plaster" that fails to aid British consumers. "The reality is that we've drained dry around 90% of oil and gas there," Ralston said. "To stop the UK being so vulnerable to energy crises, often sparked by war, lowering fossil fuel demand through electric vehicles, heat pumps and renewables remains the most credible long-term solution."
Khan emphasized that new drilling would not reduce bills, a point even the industry has conceded. "The only way to insulate ourselves from oil shocks is to double down on renewables and upgrade homes, so we can free ourselves from fossil fuels. This is just common sense in today's world," she added. The Conservatives have been contacted for comment on these findings.
