LONDON, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Britain on Monday called for
views on potential checks for new oil and gas licences to assess
whether projects are in line with the country’s climate
commitments.
Britain has a target to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and
the consultation comes after oil major Shell earlier
this month scrapped plans to develop the Cambo oilfield in the
British North Sea, which was opposed by environmental groups,
saying there was not an economic case for the project.
The consultation calls for views from interested parties on
potential tests that could be applied to new oil and gas
licenses such as domestic demand for the fuels being extracted
and the use of technology such as carbon capture and hydrogen
generation.
“This new checkpoint will be key to our plans to support the
oil and gas sector during its net zero transition. It helps
safeguard the future of this vital UK industry as we create more
opportunities for green jobs,” Energy and Climate Change
Minister Greg Hands said in a statement.
The government said the consultation, which runs until Feb.
28, is open to all interested parties and industry stakeholders.
(Reporting By Susanna Twidale;
Editing by Bernadette Baum)