The carbon problem5 Mar 2020 20:15
This is my take on the situation here.
With the recent high court decision to halt the Heathrow expansion because of the government stated policy of zero emissions by 2050 , I can see activists going to court again if UKEF is minded to support a new oil development in a British overseas territory without making a carbon impact assessment. Particularly so given its location in a pristine marine environment.
The simple fact is that no-one wants or needs the oil from the South Atlantic anymore, witness the production cutbacks today. Premier and its CEO are walking a tightrope to walk away from the Falklands. They goofed with the farm in and they know it. Every public announcement just defers it a bit longer, and longer and longer….they are hoping someone like the Koreans will join the Israelis and take it off their hands. Argos and Borders & Southern are a pair of cash shells who would be better off reversing into renewable energy. (Sorry Garbled, Rhea will never see a drilling rig)
There is a political domino effect coming imminently post 2020….. the reunification of Ireland, the independence of Scotland; the loss of Gibraltar and most overseas territories will follow. The Falklands will become a footnote in the history of the new Kingdom of England and Principality of Wales. That will look nice on the new blue passports.
The idea that the Falklands will assure energy security to the new state of KEPW is a folly.
I am familiar with the territory and the islanders do not need the oil; some do not want it. They have effectively zero unemployment and a joyous lifestyle. It won’t worry them if it never happens. They are now not even going to enjoy the RKH capital gains tax from the Premier farm in, but who cares?
I don’t think Sea Lion will happen now, ten years is too long a time. Rockhopper was and is Sam’s plaything. As for Italy, do as the Romans do; not a dollar coming IMO. Try seizing the Italian embassy in compo LOL.
It was a good laugh while it lasted. Borgo, BHLC, Distant Voices, Marlon, Stu, Fezza, Oilbrat and the rest, and “it’s full of stars”.
They think it’s all over, it is now.