Hundreds of North Sea oil and gas licenses are set to be granted in the UK within months to reduce reliance on oil and natural gas imports to strengthen the country’s energy independence. 

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to oil and gas, saying late last month that “even when we’ve reached net-zero in 2050, a quarter of our energy needs will come from oil and gas.”

The UK’s reliance on natural gas pipeline and LNG imports to generate power and heat prompted the government last year to lift a moratorium on unconventional natural gas extraction and confirmed support for new oil and gas licensing rounds.

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