UK government approves natural gas project despite environmental concerns

LONDON -- The U.K. government approved a natural gas project off the coast of Scotland over the objections of environmental groups on Wednesday, saying it would improve energy security as the country transitions to renewable sources of energy.

While the Jackdaw field east of Aberdeen was originally approved in 2022, it stalled after a Scottish court ruled the government had failed to consider the environmental impact of burning gas produced by the project.

After further review, Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh approved the project on Wednesday.

“Jackdaw would result in a greener UK gas grid during a key period of our transition away from fossil fuels,” the Department of Energy said in a statement.