Conservatives vow to abolish net-zero regulations and extract all remaining oil and gas reserves from the North Sea

The Conservative Party's energy plan, unveiled recently, diverges sharply from the Biden administration's clean energy subsidies and the current Labour government's commitment to renewable energy. The Labour government is investing heavily in offshore wind and carbon capture and storage clusters, demonstrating its dedication to both energy security and climate goals.

However, the Conservatives, led by Kemi Badenoch, have pledged to focus solely on "maximizing extraction" of fossil fuels from the North Sea. This stance, reminiscent of Donald Trump's "drill, baby, drill" approach in the US, has sparked controversy and criticism from environmental groups and opposition parties.

Badenoch is expected to promise that a Conservative government would scrap all net-zero requirements for North Sea oil and gas operators, instead prioritizing the "maximizing exploitation" of fossil fuels. This plan represents a major reversal of Conservative climate policy, contradicting the 2019 Theresa May's government's enshrined 2050 net zero target.

The Scottish government, while not committing to banning new exploration licences like the Labour government, has urged caution. Energy Secretary Gillian Martin stated that the North Sea basin is "maturing" and that a "responsible approach" requires planning for a transition to new fuels while protecting the North East's skilled workforce.

Tessa Khan of campaign group Uplift called the plan "reckless," warning it would mean "more emissions, more environmental harm, and more handouts to oil and gas giants at the nation's expense." Green MP Ellie Chowns stated that the best option for British jobs and growth is investment in green industries, not clinging to fossil fuel technology. Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Tim Farron branded the move "irresponsible environmental vandalism."

Scientists have warned that 2024 was the first year global average temperatures exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, making it the hottest year since records began. The shift to renewables is expected to be a flashpoint in the next election, with the Conservatives positioning themselves as the party of fossil fuel expansion.

Offshore Energies UK, a trade body, stated that producing oil and gas domestically is vital while the country still relies on fossil fuels. Badenoch dismissed emissions reduction rules as a burden on producers that drive up household bills.

The Labour government, on the other hand, has not pledged to scrap obligations for oil and gas firms to cut emissions or invest in carbon capture, unlike Badenoch's Conservative plan. The current Labour government is also investing in renewable energy sources, demonstrating its commitment to both energy security and climate goals.

Environmental groups and opposition parties have condemned the Conservative plan for focusing solely on fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea. The plan has raised concerns about the UK's commitment to its net zero targets and the future of the renewable energy sector. The controversy surrounding the Conservative's energy plan is likely to continue as the election approaches.

Conservatives vow to abolish net-zero regulations and extract all remaining oil and gas reserves from the North Sea