Fact Check: North Sea Gas vs LNG Imports – The Truth Revealed

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a week where energy debates have once again taken centre stage in the UK, a claim made by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has sparked discussions that reach far beyond the confines of party politics. The assertion that gas produced in the North Sea emits “four times” less carbon dioxide (CO2) than imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been prominently featured in major publications, including the Guardian and the Daily Telegraph. But how accurate is this claim?

The statement originates from a report published by the North Sea Transition Authority in 2023 and has since been echoed by various Conservative politicians and public figures. However, a closer examination reveals that the figure is not as straightforward as it might seem. The claim primarily addresses emissions associated with the extraction and delivery of gas, neglecting the significant emissions produced when the gas is actually burned. When both factors are considered, an analysis by Carbon Brief indicates that CO2 emissions from UK gas production are only about 15% lower than those from LNG imports. This nuanced understanding is crucial as we navigate the complexities of energy production and climate change.

It’s important to note that while the focus has been on LNG imports, this perspective can also be misleading. Data from January to June 2025 shows that the majority of the UK’s gas imports came through pipeline from Norway, totalling an impressive 156,599 gigawatt hours (GWh). In contrast, total LNG imports during the same period amounted to only 82,378 GWh. This highlights an essential point: the emissions associated with gas production in Norway are considerably lower than those in the UK, with previous analyses suggesting emissions from extracting and processing North Sea gas are nearly three times higher than those from Norwegian production.

Further complicating the narrative is the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) recognition of a small emissions “advantage” of UK oil and gas production when compared to the global average. However, they caution that this advantage could evaporate with any increase in production, which might boost global gas demand, leading to higher overall fossil-fuel consumption. This insight underscores a critical dilemma: can we justify expanding fossil fuel production in the name of energy security when it risks exacerbating climate change?

Recent reports, including the UN Emissions Gap Report of 2023, have painted a stark picture of the climate crisis we face. The report indicates that fossil fuels extracted from existing and under-construction mines and fields as of 2018 would emit more than 3.5 times the carbon budget required to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This alarming statistic serves as a wake-up call, challenging the notion that more fossil fuel extraction can ever genuinely contribute to energy security or affordable energy prices.

Adding to the urgency of this conversation, the world’s highest international court recently issued a landmark opinion stating that granting new fossil-fuel exploration licences could constitute an internationally wrongful act. This assertion is grounded in a substantial body of scientific evidence linking fossil fuel extraction to climate change, which poses grave risks to both people and ecosystems worldwide.

Moreover, the reality of the North Sea’s output is one of decline. Oil production peaked in 1999, while gas production reached its zenith in 2000. After decades of relentless drilling, the remaining reserves in the North Sea are predominantly oil. Contrary to the claims that issuing new licences would enhance energy security or lower bills, around 80% of the oil extracted from UK waters is currently exported to the global market. This raises critical questions about the true beneficiaries of increased fossil fuel production and whether it serves the interests of the UK’s energy landscape.

As we continue to grapple with the implications of climate change and the future of energy production, it is imperative to approach these discussions with a critical eye. The complexities of emissions, the realities of global gas markets, and the long-term consequences of fossil fuel extraction must drive our decision-making processes. At the heart of this debate lies a fundamental question: how do we balance immediate energy needs with the urgent necessity of transitioning to a sustainable, net-zero future?

In conclusion, while the claim that UK gas is “almost four times cleaner” than LNG imports may resonate with some, it is essential to scrutinise the figures and context behind it. The transition to a sustainable energy system is fraught with challenges, but as champions of the Net Zero movement, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to a future that prioritises environmental integrity over short-term gains. Let us engage in informed discussions, advocate for transparent policies, and drive the change necessary to safeguard our planet for generations to come.

Thank you for your commitment to understanding these critical issues. Together, we can foster a more sustainable and equitable energy future.