A North Sea oil field that was once written off is getting a second chance.
BP has announced it will restart production at the Murlach field, 120 miles off the coast of Aberdeen — a move that could keep oil and gas flowing for more than a decade.
The field was originally shut down in 2004 by Shell after being deemed uneconomic, but new technology and equipment have made it viable again.
This revival has been given the green light under a 2023 approval, meaning the project doesn’t count as a brand-new fossil fuel venture.
Even so, it has reignited debate over the future of oil and gas in the UK, with environmental campaigners warning it’s time to turn the page.
How the Murlach Field Made a Comeback
BP says advances in extraction and production methods have unlocked new potential in the Murlach reserves.
The company believes it can produce up to 20,000 barrels of oil and 17 million cubic feet of gas every day, enough to sustain operations for around 11 years.
Work is already underway, and production could start later this year.
The decision comes despite the government’s push — led by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband — to phase out new offshore oil and gas projects in pursuit of the UK’s net zero goals.
However, ministers have said they will honour existing licences for the entirety of their lifespan.
Political and Industry Reactions
The project’s timing has stirred strong opinions. Last month, US President Donald Trump, during a visit to Scotland, criticised the UK’s taxes on North Sea oil, calling the resource a “treasure chest” that should be fully exploited.
He argued that high taxes discourage investment and that the UK could greatly reduce energy costs if it backed drillers.
Environmental groups see it differently. Greenpeace UK’s policy director, Dr Doug Parr, says the North Sea’s reserves are already in steep decline and cannot sustain the industry for long.
He warns that without a shift toward renewable energy like wind power, thousands of jobs could vanish when the last oil is extracted.
The Government’s Stance
A government spokesperson insists the UK will not issue new licences to explore fresh fields, arguing they won’t lower energy bills or improve energy security and would only worsen climate change.
Instead, the focus is on a “fair and orderly transition,” with record investment in offshore wind and new carbon capture projects.
Ministers point out that North Sea production has been in decline for 25 years, with most easily accessible reserves already tapped.
Government projections suggest oil output will drop by about 7% a year, gas production by about 12%, and overall production could fall by 90% by 2050 compared to 2024 levels.
Balancing Oil and Renewables
Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently stressed that the UK’s energy future doesn’t have to be a choice between oil and gas or renewables — both will remain important for energy security in the near term.
Just this week, the Scottish Government approved the Berwick Bank offshore wind farm off East Lothian, which could generate enough power for more than six million homes annually.
But not everyone is a fan of wind power. During his visit, Donald Trump criticised the look and efficiency of offshore turbines, claiming a small oil well could generate far more energy.
Pressure for Policy Review
The row over the Murlach field has prompted Conservative shadow Scottish secretary Andrew Bowie to write to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, urging a review of policies impacting the oil and gas industry.
Supporters of the project argue it keeps domestic production alive and secures jobs, while critics say it delays the inevitable shift toward cleaner energy.
With BP preparing to restart production and campaigners pushing for a wind-powered future, the North Sea remains at the centre of the UK’s tug-of-war between tradition and transition.