Keep up to date with 2025’s news with our digest of daily updated headlines about the business, regulation and campaigns around UK fracking, shale, and onshore oil and gas. We’re also posting updates on the decommissioning work at Cuadrilla’s shale gas wells at Preston New Road, near Blackpool.

Wednesday 31 December 2025

What to watch in 2026? DrillOrDrop reports on the key events that could be making headlines in the coming year.

Tuesday 30 December 2025

Review of 2025 – the return of fracking? DrillOrDrop reports that fracking for UK onshore oil and gas hit the headlines again during 2025. Plus all the other key events from the past year.

Europa farm-out. Europa Oil & Gas reports  a binding Farm-out Agreement with Fuhai (Beijing) Energy Limited to farm-out a 40% interest in the EG-08 production sharing contract (“PSC”) in offshore Equatorial Guinea.

Wednesday 24 December 2025

DrillOrDrop wishes all our readers a very happy Christmas.

Monday 22 December 2025

Call for delay to Burniston gas decision over planning policy shift. DrillOrDrop reports the decision on controversial plans to drill for gas and carry out lower volume fracking near the North York Moors National Park should be delayed, a council was urged today.

Friday 19 December 2025

Saltfleetby workover. Angus Energy announces the start of a 4-6 week workover of two wells at its Saltfleetby gasfield.

Thursday 18 December 2025

Government to rule on Waddock Cross environmental study. DrillOrDrop reports a government minister is to decide whether there should be a detailed environmental study of Egdon Resources’ plans to expand oil production at Waddock Cross in rural Dorset.

Wednesday 17 December 2025

Horse Hill – key details delayed. DrillOrDrop reports key information that will determine the future of the Horse Hill oil site in Surrey has been delayed, officials have revealed.

Monday 15 December 2025

Breaking: Oil companies drop Biscathorpe appeal. DrillOrDrop reports that partners seeking to produce oil in the protected Lincolnshire Wolds have abandoned their challenge to the refusal of planning permission, a formal statement announced this morning.

Friday 12 December 2025

UKOG reveals reasons for Weald licence surrender. DrillOrDrop reports an official report by UK Oil & Gas plc reveals why it gave up a licence to develop hydrocarbons in parts of Surrey and West Sussex. A Surrey opposition group commented “what is not said in the Report is probably more significant than what is said.”

Thursday 11 December 2025

Broadford Bridge clean-up imminent, says council. DrillOrDrop reports it has learned that work to plug and abandon wells at the dormant Broadford Bridge oil site in West Sussex is due to begin this month.

Wednesday 10 December 2025

Ban on low volume fracking looks unlikely. DrillOrDrop reports the government said today there was no evidence of risk from lower volume fracking. This suggests, for the first time, that the government’s proposed ban on fracking will not include lower-volume processes, such as proppant squeeze.

Tuesday 9 December 2025

Why Lancashire fracking site is set to stay put – in spite of fresh permission being refused. The Lancashire Evening Post reports a decision to refuse to allow more time for the restoration of a controversial fracking site on the Fylde will make little difference to ow long the process actually takes.

Thursday 4 December 2025

Cuadrilla refused more time at Lancs fracking site: company told to “clear up their mess, pack their bags and get out of town”. DrillOrDrop reports that the former fracking company, Cuadrilla, has lost its bid for more time to restore its Lancashire shale gas site at Preston New Road, near Blackpool.

Call for immediate restoration of fracking site – reaction to planning refusal. DrillOrDrop reports that environmental campaigners and community groups have welcomed this morning’s decision by Lancashire County Council to refuse more time for restoration of a controversial fracking site. But they called for swift action to return the site near Blackpool to agriculture.

Wednesday 3 December 2025

Rathlin auditor resigns. DrillOrDrop reports the oil and gas company, Rathlin Energy, has announced it has changed its independent auditor.

UKOG compulsory strike offs discontinued. Companies House reports that compulsory strike offs have been discontinued against two UKOG subsidiaries, Horse Hill Developments Ltd and UKOG Turkey Ltd. Neither company has yet published accounts, due on 30 September 2025.

Tuesday 2 December 2025

Latest UK onshore oil and gas monthly production data – rates up but volumes down in September 2025. DrillOrDrop’s monthly review of UK onshore oil and gas extraction.

Monday 1 December 2025

UK pulls $1.15bn support for Mozambique gas project. DrillOrDrop reports the UK government has withdrawn $1.15bn (£870m) support for a controversial gas project in Mozambique.

Thursday 27 November 2025

Government ban on new onshore oil and gas licences. DrillOrDrop reports that the UK government has confirmed there will be no new licences for onshore oil and gas in England (announced on 26 November 2025)

Wednesday 26 November 2025

Refuse more time for Lancashire frack site – planners recommend. DrillOrDrop reports that officials in Lancashire are recommending refusal of a bid to extend the life of the mothballed Preston New Road fracking site near Blackpool.

Horse Hill latest. DrillOrDrop reports key information needed for a new planning application for the controversial Horse Hill drilling site in Surrey will be submitted before Christmas, it was revealed today. Council officials are also “considering their position” following a site visit to Horse Hill today.

HHDL First Gazette notice. Companies House reports a notice for compulsory strike off of Horse Hill Developments Limited. The document has not yet been published. The companies accounts are overdue by nearly two months.

UKOG Turkey First Gazette notice. Companies House reports a notice for compulsory strike off of UKOG Turkey Ltd. The document has not yet been published. The companies accounts are overdue by nearly two months.

Consultation opens on Egdon’s Foxholes gas plan. DrillOrDrop reports that people are being inviting to give their views on proposals by Egdon Resources to drill for gas on the edge of Foxholes in the Yorkshire Wolds.

Saturday 22 November 2025

What was agreed on climate change at COP30 in Brazil? BBC News reports on a deal to tackle climate change at the UN climate summit at Belem. But many countries were unhappy with the outcome – with no new measures on fossil fuels or deforestation. The agreement mentioned a previous agreement for the need to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems” but did not strengthen the language. Brazil’s own plan to launch a fossil fuel roadmap which countries could sign up to sits outside the main deal.

Friday 21 November 2025

UKOG fundraising. UK Oil & Gas plc announces that it has raised a further £0.52m in a share placing. The funds, along with other placings since 2 October 2025 bring new investment to more than £5m. The money will be used to fund hydrogen plans.

Thursday 20 November 2025

Landowners warned over risks of hosting oil and gas sites. DrillOrDrop reports that landowners in North Yorkshire who lease sites to oil and gas companies have been warned they could be responsible for the costs of clean-up and restoration.

West Firsby extension. Europa Oil & Gas reports that the North Sea Transition Authority has granted a five-year extension to the DL003 licence, which includes the West Firsby site. The licence will now expire on 31 December 2030.

Tuesday 18 November 2025

Government response to fracking petition “inadequate”. DrillOrDrop reports the government failed to respond directly to a parliamentary petition about lower-volume fracking for onshore oil and gas, a group of MPs has said.

Thursday 13 November 2025

Burniston gas plan: Council seeks detail on government’s proposed fracking ban. DrillOrDrop reports that North Yorkshire Council, which will decide plans for hydraulic fracturing at Burniston, near Scarborough, has asked the government for more details about its proposed ban on fracking.

Ineos to cut hundreds of jobs as carmaker struggles with debts. The Guardian reports that Ineos Automotive, owned by the billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, will make hundreds of job cuts across the company’s global workforce as his indebted empire comes under increasing pressure.

Tuesday 11 November 2025

August 2025 onshore oil and gas production data in figures and charts. DrillOrDrop’s review of the latest monthly onshore oil and gas production.

Thursday 6 November 2025

Fifth law suit launched against Ineos Project One plastics facility in Antwerp. ClientEarth announces NGOs and community groups have launched a new legal challenge to Europe’s biggest plastics facility. It says experts have released new estimates that suggest the plant could cause triple the emissions stated by Ineos.

AJ Lucas AGM address. Greg Runge, chief executive of Cuadrilla’s owner, A J Lucas, told the company’s AGM:

“Our UK operations continued to focus on maintaining a low-cost presence, with the goal of
becoming increasingly self-funded while retaining an option on a significant discovered shale gas accumulation. Notably, post year-end, we resolved a long-standing commercial dispute, resulting in a substantial cash injection that has strengthened our balance sheet.” (see headline of 13 August 2025).

Tuesday 4 November 2025

Campaigners call for tougher rules on methane release from onshore oil and gas. DrillOrDrop reports a warning from environmental campaigners that the government risks undermining its goals to cut methane emissions without stricter regulations on onshore oil and gas operations.

Monday 3 November 2025

Europa and Egdon seek £6.5m+ funding for Burniston gas plans. DrillOrDrop reports that the two companies behind controversial proposals to drill for gas near the North York Moors National Park are looking to raise more than £6.5m for the scheme.

Plans return for new well at Whisby oilfield. DrillOrDrop reports that a proposal for a new sidetrack production well at the Whisby oilfield in Lincolnshire is back with planners – three years after it was previously approved.

MPs seek evidence on future of UK oil and gas. DrillOrDrop reports that a committee of MPs is calling for evidence for a new inquiry on the future of the UK’s oil and gas industry during the transition to clean energy.

Angus Energy COO resigns. Angus Energy reports that its interim chief operating officer, Jonathan Tidswell Pretorius, has resigned to pursue other interests. He was appointed to the non-board post in July 2025. He had reviewed Angus Energy’s operations.

Revenues fall at Angus Energy. Angus Energy announced revenue of £3.21m for the third quarter of 2025, a cut of 7% on on the previous three months. This was largely due to lower gas prices. Gas production at Saltfleetby was 6.7% higher in the third quarter. The company also said it was continuing to discuss debt restructuring with its creditors.

Wednesday 29 October 2025

Government quizzed on fracking definition. DrillOrDrop reports on parliamentary exchanges on the legal definition of fracking and plans to look at volume thresholds and geological criteria.

Planning update. DrillOrDrop’s latest news on UK planning and permitting applications for onshore oil and gas. Includes today’s details from the Planning Inspectorate of the start date of the Biscathorpe planning inquiry and deadline for comments on new information from Egdon Resources.

UJO cancels general meeting. Union Jack Oil announced it has cancelled a general meeting on 30 October 2025 on issuing bonus warrants to shareholders. The company said the resolution was unlikely to pass because of lack of shareholder support. This is the second time the company has cancelled a meeting on a fundraising resolution.

Tuesday 28 October 2025

Guest post: Community challenges with the planning system. DrillOrDrop carries a guest post by David Eddy, chair of Foxholes and Butterwick Parish Council, in North Yorkshire, on the challenges facing local communities dealing with oil and gas developments.

Sunday 26 October 2025

United stand will block fracking plans, residents told. DrillOrDrop report on a public meeting in Burniston, North Yorkshire, where residents were urged to stand together to fight plans for lower-volume fracking.

MP calls for Balcombe oil licence to be withdrawn over water contamination fears. DrillOrDrop report on letter from Balcombe MP, Mims Davies, in which she urges the government to withdraw Angus Energy’s licence at Balcombe because of the risk of water pollution.

Biscathorpe oil scheme heads for inquiry. DrillOrDrop reports that controversial proposals by Egdon Resources to produce oil in the Lincolnshire Wolds are due to be decided by a full planning inquiry.

Friday 17 October 2025

“Legal loophole” could prompt multiple fracking plans, MP warns. DrillOrDrop reports on a warning by a Labour MP that oil and gas companies will “pile in” with fracking plans all over the country to exploit a legal loophole if scheme at Burniston in North Yorkshire gets the go-ahead.

Thursday 16 October 2025

Reform-led Lancashire County Council refuses to call for a ban on fracking. A Labour motion to the council to ban fracking was amended by a Reform UK councillor to replace “fracking” with “extracting shale gas”. The amended motion also called for “”continuation of the moratorium, while commissioning a full independent review of domestic energy sources”. BBC News report

Wednesday 15 October 2025

Official petition to ban all fracking tops 10,000. DrillOrDrop reports that an official online petition calling for a ban on all forms of fracking has passed an important milestone by reaching 10,000 signatures.

Controversial UK oil field publishes full scale of climate impact. The UK’s largest undeveloped oil field has revealed the full scale of its environmental impact, should it gain approval by the government. Developers of the Rosebank oil field said nearly 250 million tonnes of planet warming gas would be released from using oil products from the field. BBC News report

Tuesday 14 October 2025

Minister should apologise over fracking claim – residents. DrillOrDrop reports residents in the North Yorkshire village of Burniston, where there are plans for lower-volume fracking, have called on the energy minister to apologise over claims he made about the process.

Monday 13 October 2025

Angus Energy debt. Angus Energy announces it has agreed non-binding terms with Trafigura to restructure its debt. The company also says it is continuing due diligence on the purchase of producing offshore assets in the SE USA.

Thursday 9 October 2025

Minister challenged over “misleading” fracking claims. DrillOrDrop reports that an environmental campaigner is challenging the government over what he says are “misleading” and “inaccurate” claims about the controversial issue of fracking.

Wednesday 8 October 2025

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – July 2025. DrillOrDrop reports that UK onshore gas production fell to its lowest level in July 2025 since November 2023. Onshore daily oil production was the lowest for nine months. Monthly oil volume increased slightly in July compared with June but it was by less than would have been expected for the longer month.

Monday 6 October 2025

More funding for UKOG hydrogen projects. UK Oil & Gas announces it has accepted a further investment of £1m through a direct shares subscription. The company says the money will used to “further accelerate and strengthen the primary technical and economic modelling studies and works for hydrogen storage projects.

Egdon annual accounts. Egdon Resources Limited reported a loss of £3,764,463 for the year ending 31 December 2024. Net assets were £35,494,114. The accounts assumed a £9.05m loan from the parent company, Heyco. The subsidiary, Egdon Resources UK Ltd, reported a profit for the year of £1,008,864 and net liabilities of £1,281,533.

Friday 3 October 2025

Additional funding for UKOG hydrogen projects. UK Oil & Gas announces it has raised a further £0.5m for hydrogen storage projects in south Dorset and East Yorkshire.

Thursday 2 October 2025

UKOG funding for hydrogen projects. UK Oil & Gas announces it has raised £3m in a shares placing. The money will be used for engineering concept and design studies for hydrogen storage projects in south Dorset and East Yorkshire.

Wednesday 1 October 2025

Government to block new onshore oil and gas licences and ban fracking DrillOrDrop reports on a government announcement that no new onshore oil and gas licences will be issued in England. The news followed a speech to the Labour conference in which the energy secretary confirmed his commitment to ban fracking.

Delayed UKOG accounts reveal £35m cut in value of oil assets. DrillOrDrop reports that long-awaited annual accounts for UK Oil & Gas plc show a £35m drop in the value of the company’s oil and gas assets.

Tuesday 30 September 2025

Europa responds to permit consultation comments. DrillOrDrop publishes a statement from Europa Oil & Gas in response to comments criticising its environmental permit application.

Wednesday 24 September 2025

Villagers highlight environmental flaws in North Yorkshire fracking plans. DrillOrDrop reports on the Frack Free Coastal Communities response to Europa’s environmental permit application for drilling and fracking at Burniston. The group criticised the “inappropriate” technology, “inadequate” risk assessments, missing, incorrect and inconsistent information and a failure to consider vulnerable people.

Tuesday 23 September 2025

Waddock Cross oil expansion decision delayed over climate questions. DrillOrDrop reports that the decision on expansion of oil production, at Waddock Cross, in rural Dorset was deferred this morning because councillors wanted more information on the climate impact.

Monday 22 September 2025

Campaigners call for “strong, enforceable regulation” on methane emissions from UK oil and gas. DrillOrDrop reports on the call by the UK Methane Campaign on the UK government to adopt tough controls in the coming weeks on methane releases from the oil and gas industry.

‘Get on with it’: government urged by Lancashire campaigners to ban fracking forever. The Lancashire Post reports anti-fracking campaigners in the county have urged the government to fulfil a manifesto pledge to ban the process “for good”. It comes after the Liberal Democrats committed to outlawing the practice permanently, rather than just maintaining the current moratorium – or temporary halt – that was introduced in 2019 after concerns about fracking-induced earth tremors in Fylde.

Saturday 20 September 2025

Lib Dems to debate ban on onshore oil and gas. DrillOrDrop reports a block on onshore oil and gas extraction will be debated at the Lib Dem conference tomorrow (Sunday 21 September 2025). A policy paper put to the meeting in Bournemouth recommends banning new onshore oil and gas production. The move has been welcomed by environmental campaigners and anti-fracking groups.

Friday 19 September 2025

Residents voice safety concerns over West Newton fracking plans. DrillOrDrop reports that opponents of lower-volume fracking have questioned the safety of the process proposed at a gas site at West Newton in East Yorkshire.

Wednesday 17 September 2025

Dorset planners back expansion at suspended oil site. DrillOrDrop reports that officials have supported plans for more drilling and oil production at a mothballed site in rural Dorset.

Oil and gas earnings down 38% at Star Energy. DrillOrDrop reports comments by the oil and gas company, Star Energy, that it was under increasing strain in a challenging operating environment. The article also reports on falling revenues at Europa Oil & Gas.

Tuesday 16 September 2025

Rathlin gets more time to raise cash for West Newton drilling – annual accounts. DrillOrDrop reports that the cash-strapped oil and gas company, Rathlin Energy, has won more time to secure funds to meet its drilling commitments.

Friday 5 September 2025

More responses to Foxholes gas drilling plan. DrillOrDrop reports key responses have been published this week in response to proposals by Egdon Resources to explore for gas at Foxholes in North Yorkshire.  

Wednesday 3 September 2025

Scrap planning rules that favour onshore oil and gas, environmentalists demand. DrillOrDrop reports that nine environmental campaign organisations have urged the government today to end planning policies that favour fossil fuels.

Fracking splits in Reform. DrillOrDrop reports that the controversial issue of fracking in Lancashire has divided Reform politicians in the county from their national leadership.

Tuesday 2 September 2025

Foxholes seeks more information on Egdon’s gas drilling plan. DrillOrDrop reports that the North Yorkshire village of Foxholes has asked for more detail on plans to explore for gas near local homes.

UKOG resolutions passed. UK Oil & Gas reports that resolutions put to shareholders at a general meeting today have been passed. More details on DrillOrDrop

Summer 2025 was hottest on record in UK, says Met Office. The Guardian and others report the UK has had its hottest summer on record, the Met Office has said, after the country faced four heatwaves in a single season.

North Sea has ‘much more to do’ to meet emissions targets for 2040 onwards. The Press Association reports on findings from the North Sea Transition Authority (report here) on emissions. The agency said emissions from North Sea oil and gas had fallen for the fifth year, investment was needed to meet targets for 2040 and 2050.

Monday 1 September 2025

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – June 2025. DrillOrDrop’s monthly review of onshore production reports that daily oil output in June 2025 was the lowest for eight months. The monthly oil volume dropped 7% compared with the month before. The fall was more than twice what would have been expected from the shorter month in June, compared with May 2025.

Sunday 31 August 2025

Tories pledge to extract all North Sea oil and gas. The Financial Times and others report comments by the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, who pledged to extract every last molecule of oil and gas from the UK North Sea, as the Conservative party seeks to distance itself from its previous support for the country’s “net zero” emissions target.

Tuesday 26 August 2025

Reform councillor says “no plans for fracking in Lancashire”. Joshua Roberts, Reform councillor on Lancashire County Council for Fylde East, issued a press release saying while the party supports fracking “on a case-by-case basis, any activity is expected to be more likely in the East of England rather than the Northwest.” He said the “conditions on the Fylde Coast are not conducive to fracking, and there are no plans for it to take place here”

Union Jack drops fundraising resolution. The company reports the resolution would authorise the directors to issue warrants relating to the fundraising for operations in the US.

Warwick company applies for strike off. Warwick Energy Exploration and Production Limited, a subsidiary of a 14th-round licence holder, Warwick Energy Exploration Limited, has applied to be struck off the Company’s House register. The notice is due to appear in the First Gazette on 2 September 2025.

Monday 25 August 2025

Get ready for fracking, Reform UK tells energy firms. BBC News reports on an interview with Richard Tice, Reform deputy leader and energy spokesperson, in which he says:

“We’ve got potentially hundreds of billions of energy treasure in the form of shale gas.

It’s grossly financially negligent to a criminal degree to leave that value underground and not to extract it.”

The story was picked up by some national newspapers on Tuesday 26 August 2025

Tuesday 19 August 2025

More time for West Newton frack consultation. DrillOrDrop reports that the Environment Agency has extended the consultation period at a second site where lower-volume fracking is planned in Yorkshire.

Friday 15 August 2025

Failure to agree global plastics treaty. Most media outlets report that countries failed to create a global treaty to end plastics pollution. The process will be extended again. Climate campaigners said the treaty was “held to ransom” by a small number of petro-states and corporations.

Wednesday 13 August 2025

Cuadrilla receives £12.5m in dispute settlement. DrillOrDrop reports that the fracking firm, Cuadrilla, has received a cash sum of £12.5m after resolving a commercial dispute.

Foxholes gas drilling application published. DrillOrDrop reports that gas exploration plans in the North Yorkshire village of Foxholes were published today.

Regulator drops objection to Burniston gas drilling and fracking. DrillOrDrop reports that the Environment Agency has withdrawn is objection to controversial plans to explore for gas, including lower volume fracking, in the North Yorkshire village of Burniston.

Thursday 7 August 2025

Bitcoin mining plan for cash-strapped East Yorkshire gasfield. DrillOrDrop reports on announcements that two mothballed gas sites at West Newton in East Yorkshire could be used for cryptocurrency mining, company.

Give us more time – second request to regulator on frack plans. DrillOrDrop reports a second community group, this time at West Newton, has asked for more time to comment on the environmental impact of fracturing plans in Yorkshire.

Sunday 3 August 2025

Burniston permit consultation extended amid concerns about application. DrillOrDrop reports the public consultation has been extended on the environmental impact of plans to drill and fracture a gas well at Burniston in North Yorkshire. Following concerns about the application, the Environment Agency has extended the consultation until Friday 19 September 2025.

Friday 1 August 2025

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – May 2025. DrillOrDrop reports UK onshore gas production fell again in May 2025, for the fifth consecutive month. The May figure was the lowest for 18 months, despite a small increase in production from the largest field at Saltfleetby.

Lincolnshire mayor pledges to frack Gainsborough gasfield. DrillOrDrop reports on comments by the Reform UK mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Andrea Jenkyns, that her party will frack a shale gasfield near Gainsborough if it wins the next general election.

Thursday 31 July 2025

West Newton fracturing heading for approval. DrillOrDrop reports that plans by Rathlin Energy to carry out a lower-volume hydraulic fracture at the West Newton-A oil and gas site in East Yorkshire look likely to get the go-ahead.

Wednesday 30 July 2025

UKOG accounts delayed again. DrillOrDrop reports that UKOG, the oil company at the centre of a landmark legal ruling on climate emissions, has again delayed the publication of its annual report and accounts.

Saltfleetby maintenance completed. Angus Energy reports that the annual maintenance shutdown at its Saltfleetby gas sites in Lincolnshire was completed on 25 July, ahead of schedule.

Wednesday 23 July 2025

Consultation underway on delay to Cuadrilla’s frack site restoration. DrillOrDrop reports that people are invited to comment on a bid by Cuadrilla to extend the life of its former fracking site near Blackpool. A public consultation runs until Thursday 7 August 2025.

Village meetings to discuss Egdon’s Yorkshire gas plan. DrillOrDrop reports Yorkshire villagers are meeting to discuss plans by Egdon Resources for gas drilling at Foxholes.

Angus update on lender talks and production. DrillOrDrop reports on Angus Energy’s update (21/7/25) on talks with its lender, Trafigura on loan rescheduling and a reverse takeover, plus quarter production figures.

Union Jack Oil £2m placing. Union Jack announces it has raised gross proceeds of £2m from a placing and subscription of 40,000,000 ordinary shares. The proceeds will be used to fund operations in the USA, the company said, at two sites in central Oklahoma and one in southern Oklahoma..

Tuesday 22 July 2025

UK calls for Rosebank and Jackdaw emissions statements. Upstream Online reports that the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment & Decommissioning (OPRED) has officially requested statements on greenhouse gas emissions for the contested Rosebank and Jackdaw fields following this year’s court action that quashed their development consents.

Nigel Topping appointed chair of the Climate Change Committee. The government announces that Nigel Topping has been selected as the chair of the CCC. The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, said:

“We highly value the Climate Change Committee’s independent advice on how we can achieve net zero, so I am thrilled to have Nigel in this important role – as he brings extensive experience, including from his time serving as the UN High Level Climate Action Champion for COP26.  

Net zero is the economic opportunity of the 21st century and Nigel’s business expertise will help us to maximise on this opportunity as we deliver our clean energy superpower mission – boosting energy security, creating good jobs, bringing down bills and tackling the climate crisis.”

Monday 21 July 2025

Fluid injection at Brockham could cause earthquakes, scientists warn. DrillOrDrop reports plans to inject waste fluid at a Surrey oil site could cause “potentially damaging earthquakes”, two earth scientists have warned.

Government asks for more information on scope 3 emissions on proposed Jackdaw field. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero writes to Shell saying it requires an assessment of the effects of downstream/scope 3 emissions from burning Jackdaw hydrocarbons.

Sunday 20 July 2025

Views sought on environmental impact of Europa’s Burniston gas plans. DrillOrDrop reports people are invited to comment on the environmental impacts of gas exploration, including lower-volume fracking, at Burniston in North Yorkshire.

Friday 18 July 2025

Elswick gas site gets five more years. DrillOrDrop reports that Cuadrilla’s Elswick gas production site near Blackpool has been granted a five-year extension. (Decision made 16/7/2025)

Thursday 17 July 2025

Government urged to close fracking loophole. DrillOrDrop reports Friends of the Earth has urged the energy secretary to widen the moratorium on fracking in England to include all forms of the process.

Reform council unanimously opposes Burniston fracking plan. DrillOrDrop reports the Reform-led Scarborough Town Council has voted unanimously against plans for lower volume fracking in the North Yorkshire village of Burniston.

Governmentrefuses petition request to restart issuing oil and gas licences in the North Sea. A government response to the petition, which got 10,563 signatures in six months, said:

“We will not issue licences to explore new fields, whilst managing existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan. We will boost Britain’s energy security and ensure good, long-term jobs.”

Rathlin Energy secretary terminated. Companies House reports that Rathlin Energy has terminated the appointment of Vistra Company Secretaries Limited as its secretary.

Wednesday 16 July 2025

More details over Biscathorpe oil production decision. DrillOrDrop reports that the decision on plans to produce oil at Biscathorpe in the Lincolnshire Wolds has been delayed again. The Planning Inspectorate says additional information requested from Egdon Resources earlier this year had “elements that were not adequate”.

Tuesday 15 July 2025

Rathlin Energy registered office changes. Companies House reports that Rathlin Energy has changed its registered office from from Suite 1, 7th Floor 50 Broadway London SW1H 0BL United Kingdom to Hill Dickinson Llp 7th Floor, the Broadgate Tower 20 Primrose Street London EC2A 2EW

Friday 11 July 2025

Bid for two-year delay to frack site restoration published. DrillOrDrop reports that Cuadrilla’s latest attempt to extend the deadline for site restoration of its fracked shale gas site near Blackpool has been published.

Angus Energy update on loan payments. Angus Energy reports that one of its lender, Forum Energy Services, has agreed to suspended its rights to receive payment in new ordinary shares for a period of six months while the company restructures its debt with Trafigura and completes due diligence on a potential reverse takeover.

Thursday 10 July 2025

National park unanimously backs oil site’s cable scheme. DrillOrDrop reports The South Downs National Park has approved plans to route a high voltage cable from the Singleton oil site through ancient woodland to a connection with the national grid.

Wednesday 9 July 2025

Union Jack announces farm-in agreement. Union Jack Oil announces it shas signed a farm-in agreement with Reach Oil and Gas to acquire a 60% working interest in the Sark well, planned to be drilled early in the third quarter in central Oklahoma.

Monday 7 July 2025

Burniston gas plan qualifies as fracking – expert legal opinion. DrillOrDrop reports a council is being urged to refuse plans that would use a form of fracking to explore for gas at Burniston near the North York Moors National Park. A legal opinion has confirmed that proposals by Europa Oil & Gas qualify as fracking under local planning policy.

Sunday 6 July 2025

Parliamentary petition calls for ban on all forms of fracking. DrillOrDrop reports on an official online petition is calling on the government to ban “small-scale fracking” for onshore oil and gas.

Egdon gives notices of Foxholes application. DrillOrDrop reports that Egdon Resources has given formal notice that it will apply for planning permission for gas exploration near the North Yorkshire village of Foxholes. https://drillordrop.com/2025/07/06/egdon-gives-notice-of-foxholes-application/

Friday 4 July 2025

Burniston MP calls for parliamentary debate on fracking. DrillOrDrop reports that the MP for the North Yorkshire village of Burniston, where a form of fracking is planned, has called for a parliamentary debate on the issue.

Preferred candidate for CCC chair named. The government has named Nigel Topping as its preferred candidate as chair of the Climate Change Committee. Report by Business Green

Thursday 3 July 2025

Ex chancellor “delighted” at end of licence for “ridiculous” gas scheme. DrillOrDrop reports that Sir Jeremy Hunt, the former chancellor, has welcomed news that an oil and gas company has surrendered its exploration rights at Dunsfold in his Surrey constituency. Another site, at Broadford Bridge, in West Sussex, is also affected by the relinquishment, we report.

UKOG sells subsidiary. DrillOrDrop reports on an announcement from UK Oil & Gas plc (UKOG) this morning that it had sold one of its subsidiary companies, UK GB Ltd, which had a stake in oilfields in Hampshire.

Wednesday 2 July 2025

Oil production restarts at Keddington. DrillOrDrop reports the announcement by Union Jack Oil that production at the Keddington oilfield in Lincolnshire has resumed.

Tuesday 1 July 2025

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – April 2025. DrillOrDrop reports that UK onshore gas volumes fell for the fourth consecutive month in April 2025. Production was the lowest for 18 months, down 23% on March 2025.

Monday 30 June 2025

UKOG interim accounts delayed. DrillOrDrop reports UK Oil & Gas has delayed publication of its interim accounts. This follows a previous delay, announced in March 2025, of the annual report and accounts .

Doubts over Angus Energy future cashflows. DrillOrDrop reports that Angus Energy, the operator of the UK’s largest onshore gasfield is facing doubts over its ability to continue as a going concern.

Thursday 26 June 2025

Horse Hill one year on – no site clearance date. DrillOrDrop reports that he Horse Hill well pad in Surrey still has no final date for site clearance, a year after the Supreme Court quashed its planning permission, officials have confirmed

Wednesday 25 June 2025

Make UK electricity cheaper and switch away from gas – climate advisor. DrillOrDrop reports on the latest Climate Change Committee progress report to the UK government. It

Monday 23 June 2025

MPs seek to block all forms of fracking. DrillOrDrop reports a group of MPs is campaigning to stop all forms of fracking in England by including them in the moratorium.

Government publishes industrial strategy. The government’s industrial strategy announces it is cutting electricity costs for more than 7,000 businesses by up to 25% from 2027. The government says the strategy sets out a 10-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business by tackling two of the biggest barriers facing UK industry – high electricity prices and long waits for grid connections. Link to full document

Welcome from Friends of the Earth. Mike Childs, head of science at Friends of the Earth, says:

“Cutting carbon pollution isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also a huge opportunity to create new jobs, lower electricity costs for industry and households, and boost energy security.

“The Industrial Strategy is welcome confirmation that the government recognises tackling climate change is a win for both the economy and the planet, and that the UK can reap the enormous benefits of being at the forefront of the global climate effort.”

Friday 20 June 2025

Sarah Finch named campaigner of the year. DrillOrDrop reports that Sarah Finch, the campaigner who secured a landmark judgement at the Supreme Court on carbon emissions from onshore oil and gas has won a prestigious award. (The award was announced late on 19 June 2025)

Campaigners welcome new guidance on climate impact of oil and gas production. DrillOrDrop reports that new government guidance (issued on 19 June 2025) on assessing carbon emissions from oil and gas production has been welcomed by environmental campaigners.

Thursday 19 June 2025

New Biscathorpe consultation. DrillOrDrop reports people have the chance to comment on extra information about proposals for long-term oil production and more drilling at the Biscathorpe site in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

UK ministers to restart approval process for two North Sea oilfields. The Guardian reports ministers will restart the approval process for two controversial oilfields on Thursday, even as new figures show the UK will be almost entirely dependent on foreign gas by 2050 regardless of whether they are approved.

Tuesday 17 June 2025

About 100 people attend Foxholes meeting. A meeting about Egdon Resources plans to drill for gas in the North Yorkshire village of Foxholes attracted nearly 100 people. David Eddy, chair of Foxholes Parish Council which organised the event, wrote on social media:

“Great to hear you freely voicing your issues and raising questions. This is just the start of harnessing your community voice to help inform Parish Council thinking, if and when a decision needs to be taken. Thank you also for expressing your concerns, all of which are valid because they are worrying you. We felt it was a productive, supportive and enabling meeting.”

Government drops defence of anti-protest laws. Liberty reports it has won its case at the Court of Appeal against protest laws introduced by the former Conservative Home Secretary, Suella Braverman. The court found the laws, which lowered the threshold for police to shut down demonstrations and arrest those taking part, had been made unlawfully. The current government has dropped its defence and the laws have been quashed.

Monday 16 June 2025

Legal action restarts against Wressle expansion. DrillOrDrop reports that campaigners have restarted a legal challenge against a council which ruled that plans to expand the Wressle oil production site do not need a detailed environmental study.

Friday 13 June 2025

Badenoch calls for end to oil and gas windfall tax. It is widely reported that the Conservative leader has called for an end to the windfall tax on oil and gas companies and said new licences should be issued for drilling in the North Sea. Friends of the Earth responded:

“Granting new oil and gas licences would pour more fuel on the fire of the climate crisis and increase our dependency on dirty, outdated fossil fuels. Instead of clinging to a failing past, we should be investing in a cleaner, fairer future, powered by homegrown renewables and energy efficiency. It’s only right that the biggest polluters pay their fair share to fund the transition.”

Thursday 12 June 2025

West Newton well stimulation scheduled. DrillOrDrop reports a well at West Newton in East Yorkshire could be fractured in the next four to nine months, according to a partner in the project.

Council officer responds over Cuadrilla extension plans. DrillOrDrop reports that Jonathan Haine, head of development management and planning policy, at Lancashire County Council, tells a local resident in a letter:

“I understand that the time extension is needed due to the groundwater monitoring requirements within the EA permit. That being the case, it would be very difficult for the County Council to argue that the monitoring is not required. However, my view is that this does not mean that the site needs to be retained in its current form until the very end of the monitoring period and that is the point I will be making to Cuadrilla.”

Wednesday 11 June 2025

Council “taking steps” to secure frack site restoration. DrillOrDrop reports that Lancashire County Council is taking action to ensure the restoration of Cuadrilla’s former fracking site near Blackpool after the company missed another planning deadline.

Burniston gas plan poses “unacceptable risk to groundwater” – regulator. DrillOrDrop reports that the Environment Agency, a key industry regulator, has objected to plans for gas exploration and a form of fracking at Burniston in North Yorkshire because of the risk of contamination of groundwater.

Landmark ruling on oil and gas emissions is vulnerable – campaigner warns. DrillOrDrop reports that Sarah Finch, the campaigner who won a landmark legal victory at the Supreme Court over the climate impact of burning oil and gas has warned that the judgement is “vulnerable”.

Village agrees next phase of fight against fracking plan. DrillOrDrop reports that villagers in North Yorkshire have agreed to spend more money in their campaign against gas drilling and a form of fracking at Burniston, near Scarborough.

Monthly oil and gas production figures. DrillOrDrop review of the latest data on UK onshore oil and gas production (March 2025).

Tuesday 10 June 2025

Government fracking ban to consider all volumes – ministers. DrillOrDrop reports the government is to consider all volumes of hydraulic fracturing when it introduces its ban on the process.

Friday 6 June 2025

Angus Energy discussions “ongoing”. Angus Energy says in a statement to investors that:

“positive discussions with Trafigura [the company’s lender] regarding the resculpting of the  original payment schedule and the potential transaction are ongoing”.

Thursday 5 June 2025

Cuadrilla to seek more time at fracking site – days before restoration deadline. DrillOrDrop reports the fracking company, Cuadrilla, has revealed it is to seek two more years at its mothballed shale gas site near Blackpool – just four days before the land should have been returned to agriculture.

Monday 2 June 2025

Campaigners pledge to fight future oil production in Balcombe. DrillOrDrop reports opponents of oil operations in the West Sussex village of Balcombe have vowed to fight any future proposals for production, despite losing a recent legal challenge.

Sunday 1 June 2025

Cuadrilla seeks more time for Elswick gas production. DrillOrDrop reports the former fracking company, Cuadrilla, is seeking another five years to extract gas from its site at Elswick, in Lancashire.

Saturday 31 May 2025

Countdown to clean-up. DrillOrDrop adds more photos on decommissioning of Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road fracking site. Thanks to Maple Independent Media for the images.

Friday 30 May 2025

Questions remain over Foxholes gas plans. DrillOrDrop reports that many residents who attended an information meeting about gas drilling in at Foxholes in North Yorkshire said they were unconvinced about the plans.

Burniston MP to quiz ministers on fracking ban. DrillOrDrop reports that Alison Hume, the MP for the North Yorkshire village of Burniston, where there are plans for a form of fracking, has promised to question the government on its commitment to ban the process.

Tuesday 27 May 2025

Milestone at fracking site. DrillOrDrop Cuadrilla’s former fracking site at Preston New Road in Lancashire passed a milestone event this morning with the departure of the decommissioning rig.

Angus Energy works with lender on takeover. DrillOrDrop reports that Angus Energy is working with its lender on a proposed takeover of production assets off the south east USA. The company has also got another week for the first repayment of its loan with Trafigura.

Europa Oil & Gas receives US$500,000 from Wressle revenue swap. Europa reports a deal under which it will pay 4.5% of gross revenues from the Wressle 1 well to a Canadian investor starting from May 1, in exchange for the USD500,000 pre-payment. The swap is unsecured and non-dilutive. Europa chief executive, William Holland, previously said the deal allows Europa to bring forward a small part of its cash flows without impacting its ability to secure project financing for further development at the Wressle 1 well.

Monday 26 May 2025

Egdon meeting on Foxholes gas plans. DrillOrDrop reports on a meeting this week to be hosted by Egdon Resources on its plans to explore for gas near the village of Foxholes in North Yorkshire

Friday 23 May 2025

Europa announces revenue swap agreement. Europa Oil & Gas announces a deal where it will pay 4.5% of gross revenue from Wressle oil production to a Canadian investor in return for a US$500,000 upfront. The agreement is unsecured and payments began from May 2025.Thursday 15 May 2025

Wednesday 21 May 2025

More delays on Biscathorpe impacts. DrillOrDrop reports that Egdon Resources has again been given extra time to provide more information about its production plans in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Tuesday 20 May 2025

Planners rule again on Wressle impacts. DrillOrDrop reports that North Lincolnshire Council planners ruled for a second time that increased oil production and further drilling does not need an environmental impact assessment.

Monday 19 May 2025

Profits down at Union Jack. DrillOrDrop reports on the annual accounts for Union Jack Oil.

Angus Energy reverse takeover plan and shares suspension. Angus Energy reports it has entered into a non-binding agreement to purchase a group of producing assets located in the Gulf. The company also announces that shares have been suspended. Angus says its lender, Trafigura, has allowed an extension of the first principal repayment until 26 May 2025.

Thursday 15 May 2025

National park votes against objection to Burniston gas plans – but recommends strengthened conditions. DrillOrDrop reports proposals to explore for gas near the edge of the North York Moors would not cause “significant harm” to the national park, the park’s authority agreed this morning.

Wednesday 14 May 2025

Campaigners respond to national park comments on Burniston gas plans. DrillOrDrop reports on a statement from Frack Free Coastal Communities to members of the North York Moors National Park Authority, which meets tomorrow to decide its response to Europa’s application for gas drilling at Burniston.

Tuesday 13 May 2025

Burniston gas plans – concerns from national park planners. DrillOrDrop reports that officials have said the proposal by Europa to explore for gas near the North York Moors National Park “sits uncomfortably” with local climate change commitments.

Friday 9 May 2025

99+% object to Burniston gas scheme. DrillOrDrop reports about 1,400 formal objections have been submitted in a public consultation on the Europa Oil & Gas exploration plans near the North York Moors national park. Just 7 responses supported the scheme.

Cuadrilla owner refinances debt. DrillOrDrop reports that the Australian mining group, AJ Lucas, announced it has  refinanced its debt.

Wednesday 7 May 2025

Angus Energy defers loan repayment. Angus Energy reports it has deferred its first principal payment of £1.25m on its five-year loan with Trafigura because production variability at its Saltfleetby gasfield in the first quarter of 2025. The company said discussions were ongoing with Trafigura to reschedule the repayments.

Tuesday 6 May 2025

Horse Hill partner slashes value of investment. DrillOrDrop reports Alba Mineral Resources has cut by 94% the value of its stake in Horse Hill – the Surrey oil site at the centre of last year’s landmark Supreme Court judgement.

Court of Appeal dismisses Home Office appeal on anti-protest legislation. Garden Court Chambers reports the Court of Appeal has upheld the High Court’s decision of May 2024, in which it ruled that the Government acted unlawfully in making Regulations that made changes to sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 to give police broad powers to restrict protests.

Sunday 4 May 2025

Lincolnshire mayor to meet fracking company on shale gas plans. DrillOrDrop reports that the newly-elected Reform Party mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, said today she will meet a fracking company planning to explore for shale gas.

Thursday 1 May 2025

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – February 2025. DrillOrDrop’s monthly review of oil and gas production data finds that UK onshore oil daily production rose 2% in February 2025, compared with the previous month but daily onshore gas production dropped 4%.

Wednesday 30 April 2025

Cuadrilla’s owner gets 9 more days to refinance debt. DrillOrDrop reports that the Australian mining group, AJ Lucas, on which Cuadrilla depends for funding, has been given just over a week to refinance multi-million dollar debts.

Tuesday 29 April 2025

Barton Moss and Doe Green wells abandoned – Star Energy accounts. DrillOrDrop reports on how wells at two key sites in the UK’s failed shale gas revolution have been abandoned.

Thursday 24 April 2025

Burniston consultation extended. DrillOrDrop reports that the call for comments on plans to drill for gas and carry out small-scale fracking near Scarborough has been extended.

Wednesday 23 April 2025

Second council unanimously rejects Burniston gas drilling plan. DrillOrDrop reports that Newby and Scalby Town Council has voted by 10 to nil to object to plans by Europa Oil & Gas to drill for gas in North Yorkshire. This follows the vote by Burniston Parish Council earlier this month.

Tuesday 22 April 2025

Star Energy sells non-core asset. Star Energy reports that it has completed the sale of the Holybourne site in Alton, Hampshire, for £6.3m. The site was formerly the company’s decommissioned Holybourne oil terminal.

Thursday 17 April 2025

Balcombe loses appeal over Angus Energy oil test. DrillOrDrop reports that residents in Balcombe in West Sussex have lost a legal challenge against testing an oil well in their village.

Wednesday 16 April 2025

Action over delays at mothballed oil site. DrillOrDrop reports that council officials have taken action against the operator and owner of a West Sussex dormant oil site over clean-up delays.

Burniston’s unanimous rejection of Europa gas plans. DrillOrDrop reports that parish councillors voted by 8 to nil to object to plans for gas exploration and small-scale hydraulic fracturing in the North Yorkshire village of Burniston. About 100 people attending an extraordinary meeting last night also unanimously opposed the scheme in a show-of-hands.

Angus Energy update. Angus Energy publishes a first quarter 2025 production and operations update. It says the booster compressor at Saltfleetby was successfully commissioned on 11 April 2025. Production from the field in January-March 2025 was 411 million standard cubic feet of gas and 7,381 barrels of gas condensate. The Brockham field produced 2,150 barrels of oil. Estimated revenues for the quarter were £5.32m

Tuesday 15 April 2025

Increase in Horndean reserves. UK Oil & Gas plc announces an increase in assessed reserves at the Horndean oil field in Hampshire. In a new report, proven reserves were up 62% to 1.5 million barrels, proven plus probably reserves were 55% up to 1.65 million barrels. UKOG has a 10% interest in Horndean.

Wednesday 9 April 2025

Europa Oil & Gas options award. Europa Oil & Gas announces it has granted 5,599,840 options to its chief executive, Will Holland, under the company’s enterprise management initiative (EMI) scheme. The total options now held by Mr Holland are now 25,599,840.

Tuesday 8 April 2025

Europa chair buys shares. Europa Oil & Gas announces that its chair, Bo Kroll, has bought 5,000,000 ordinary shares. This gives Mr Kroll a total of 62,951,502 shares, approximately 6.563% of the company’s issued share capital.

Star Energy reserves and resources update. Star Energy announces an updated competent person’s report for its conventional oil and gas interests. The report, by the Texan analyst, DeGolyer and MacNaughton, estimates oil and gas resources and reserves for Star Energy’s onshore fields in the east midlands and southern England.

• Net total proved developed producing reserves: 8,620 103boe (thousand barrels of oil equivalent)
• Net total proved developed non-producing reserves: 126 103boe
• Net total proved undeveloped reserves: 1,571 103boe

Monday 7 April 2025

Villagers meet on Burniston gas plan. DrillOrDrop reports residents in the North Yorkshire village of Burniston have a chance to give their views later this month on plans to explore for gas on the edge of the national park and heritage coast.

BP targeted by intergenerational Extinction Rebellion activists over strategy U-turn. Extinction Rebellion reports activists aged 4 to 83 have occupied the road outside BP’s St James’s Square London HQ to demand the oil giant reverse their controversial decision to scrap the previous shareholder backed energy transition strategy. The group said dozens of school children are at the protest with their families, taking part in themed activities and writing letters to BP CEO, Murray Auchincloss in response to his company’s change of tack.

Youth Demand supports swarm London. Youth Demand reports that dozens of its supporters have taken to the streets with demands including that “fossil fuel elite pay damages to communities and countries most harmed by fossil fuel burning.

Sunday 6 April 2025

Regulator extended Cuadrilla’s clean-up deadline. The industry regulator gave Cuadrilla more time to plug and abandon its shale gas wells at Preston New Road in Lancashire, DrillOrDrop has discovered.

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – January 2025. DrillOrDrop reports that the volume of UK onshore gas fell nearly 4.5% in January 2025, compared with the month before. This was the lowest monthly volume since September 2024 and mainly because a fall in production at Saltfleetby.

Friday 4 April 2025

Mining firm withdraws plan for UK’s first deep coalmine in 30 years. The Guardian and others report the Whitehaven coalmine’s planning application has been withdrawn, bringing an end to a process that could have created the UK’s first deep coalmine in 30 years in Cumbria.

Tuesday 1 April 2025

Update on Saltfleetby compressor. Angus Energy reports a “minor delay” on delivery of the last items of equipment for its new booster compressor at the Saltfleetby gasfield in Lincolnshire. The company reports it is expected today and start-up is “confidently expected to occur before the end of the week”.

Friday 28 March 2025

UKOG announces accounts delay and trading suspension. DrillOrDrop reports the onshore oil company at the centre of a landmark Supreme Court judgement has announced trading would be suspended because its annual accounts would not be published on time.

Thursday 27 March 2025

Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions fell 4% in 2024, government data shows. Reuters reports Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 4% in 2024, provisional government data showed on Thursday, as the country’s last coal-fired power plant closed and emissions fell from the industrial sector. Total greenhouse gas emissions were estimated at 371 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2024, down from 385 million tons in 2023, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said. The electricity sector saw the largest drop, down 15%.

Just Stop Oil to cease disruptive protests. The campaign group, Just Stop Oil says it is “hanging up its hi vis” and halting protests, such as throwing soup at Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting or slow marching in the streets. It says its initial demand to end new oil and gas is now government policy.

Wednesday 26 March 2025

New twists in the F-word debate. DrillOrDrop reports that a gas company that criticised campaigners for using the word ‘fracking’ for a well operation in North Yorkshire used the same term for the same process in correspondence with officials.

Waste fluid can be trucked to Surrey oil site for disposal. DrillOrDrop reports that waste fluid from oil wells across southern England can be tankered to a village in the Surrey green belt, where it will be pumped underground, councillors decided this morning.

Horse Hill judgement – 9 months on and no date for final site clearance. DrillOrDrop reports that there is still no date for final clearance of the oil site at the centre of a Supreme Court landmark judgement issued nine months ago.

Tuesday 25 March 2025

Half UK oil and gas demand can be produced at home, says industry body. The FT reports on estimates by Offshore Energies UK, the North Sea industry group, that the UK could produce half its demand for oil and gas locally under the “right business conditions”. (PAYWALL).

Saturday 22 March 2025

250 people attend march against gasfield. DrillOrDrop reports that around 250 people took part in a march (22 March 2025) against plans to explore for gas in the village of Burniston, near the North York Moors National Park.

Friday 21 March 2025

Operator criticised over new work at gas site mothballed for three years. DrillOrDrop reports that the operators of a mothballed well site in an East Yorkshire village have been accused of apparently “misusing the planning system for their own benefit”.

Thursday 20 March 2025

Europa interim results. Europa Oil & Gas announces revenue of £1.2m for the five months to the end of December 2024. This was up from £1.0m in the previous year. The company had a pre-tax loss of £0.3m in 2024, down from the pre-tax loss of £0.9m in 2023.

Wednesday 19 March 2025

Officials back plans to import wastewater to Brockham oil site. DrillOrDrop reports planners are supporting proposals to tanker wastewater from oil wells in southern England to inject into site in a Surrey village to boost production.

Tuesday 18 March 2025

“Flawed”, “misleading” and “unlawful” – reactions to assessment of Biscathorpe climate impact. DrillOrDrop reports that the UK’s first formal assessment of carbon emissions from burning onshore oil has been criticised as “flawed”, “misleading” and “unlawful”.

Factchecks and comments on Kemi Badenoch speech on net zero. Guardian (factcheck), Carbon Brief (factcheck), Telegraph (comment), The National (comment/factcheck)

Monday 17 March 2025

UKOG report on impact of Dorset H2 storage. UKOG announces that a report on its proposed hydrogen storage project in south Dorset could contribute £2.28bn gross added value during its operational life and support up to 2,100 direct jobs.

Reabold director joins Rathlin board. Reabold reports it has appointed non-executive director, Paul Harris, to the Rathlin board. Reabold has a  near 70 per cent stake in Rathlin’s PEDL183 in East Yorkshire.

Net zero by 2050 ‘impossible’ for UK, says Badenoch. BBC News and others report a speech by Kemi Badenoch, which said it is “impossible” for the UK to meet its net zero target by 2050 – a goal set by a previous Conservative government”.

Friday 14 March 2025

Mothers call for urgent action on air pollution. The climate group, Mothers Rise Up, demonstrate at Westminster for cleaner air, including the end of burning fossil fuels.

Tuesday 11 March 2025

UKOG hydrogen update. UK Oil & Gas plc reports in a statement that its subsidiary UK Energy Storage has “executed two memorandums of understanding with Portland Port Limited to jointly pursue” hydrogen generation. Shares in UKOG have fallen more than 17% in the past five days.

Monday 10 March 2025

Clean-up countdown. Cuadrilla has until Sunday 8 June 2025 – now fewer than 100 days – to restore its former Lancashire fracking site at Preston New Road to farmland. DrillOrDrop is reporting on the clean-up and the countdown to the deadline.

Burniston: Anti-fracking groups to hold protest march against gas drilling plans near Scarborough. The Scarborough News reports on plans for a protest march against gas drilling proposals at a site near Scarborough and the North York Moors National Park.

Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The government publishes its plans to speed up planning of energy projects. The bill includes proposals to give electricity bill discounts to people who live within 500m of new pylons.

Saturday 8 March 2025

Climate emissions from Wressle expansion “not significant”, says operator. DrillOrDrop reports that an expanded oil and gas site at Wressle in North Lincolnshire could add more than 900,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over its life, a new report has shown. But the operator, Egdon Resources, has said this would not be significant in local or national terms.

£4m+ loss at Angus Energy – annual accounts. DrillOrDrop reports on annual accounts from Angus Energy, the UK’s biggest onshore gas producer, which reported an annual loss of more than £4m, down more than 100% on the profit in the year before. Accounts published on 6 March 2025

Friday 7 March 2025

Long-awaited North Yorkshire gas plan published. DrillOrDrop reports that plans to drill for gas and carry out small-scale fracturing near a North Yorkshire village have been published, eight months after they were first announced.

Appeal court cuts prison sentences for six climate activists. DrillOrDrop reports that six Just Stop Oil protesters, including the group’s co-founder, had their prison sentences reduced by the Court of Appeal this morning.

No more onshore oil/gas licences – government consultation. DrillOrDrop reports that the government has defended plans to end the issuing of new onshore oil and gas licences in England.

Thursday 6 March 2025

Another new low for UK onshore oil production in 2024. DrillOrDrop’s analysis of 2024 UK onshore oil production shows it fell for the 11th consecutive year to the lowest level for 37 years, according to official data published this week. Onshore dry gas production in the UK was also down: 5% lower than the previous year but up on 2022.

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – December 2024. DrillOrDrop reviews UK onshore oil and gas production for the final month of 2024. Oil and gas both rose – but not quite enough to reach the 2024 record reached earlier in the year.

Tuesday 4 March 2025

Parents and children call for end to new oil and gas extraction. The climate group, Parents for Future, reports that parents and their children travelled to Westminster from across the UK to urge MPs them to stop all new oil and gas extraction, starting with the giant Rosebank oilfield. The group’s Charlotte Howell, said: 

“Families across the UK are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, whether its homes being flooded or school closures from extreme weather events. Parents are increasingly aware of the direct link to drilling fossil fuels and the scientific consensus that it has to stop. 

Today, we made it clear to MPs that families across the country want a firm commitment to end all new extraction. It no longer makes moral or economic sense to keep drilling and we refuse to stand by while our children’s futures are put at risk by more fossil fuel expansion. It’s long overdue to stop new oil and gas.”

Friday 28 February 2025

Questions over Heyco’s  “outstanding” Gainsborough gas claims. DrillOrDrop reports that ambitious claims about potential production from a shale gas discovery in Lincolnshire have been described as “so misleading as to be ridiculous”.

Thursday 27 February 2025

Plugging of fracked wells – start imminent. DrillOrDrop reports key equipment was installed today to decommission Cuadrilla’s fracked shale gas wells and work is expected to start imminently.

Wednesday 26 February 2025

Horse Hill update: No date for site clearance + council seeks new details. DrillOrDrop reports that the operator of unlawful oil production at Horse Hill in Surrey has not given a date when equipment will be removed from the site. The company has also not acknowledged a formal request for more information on its operation.

Burniston fracking protest. DrillOrDrop reports that anti-fracking campaigners were outside council headquarters in North Yorkshire to protest about plans by Europa Oil & Gas plc to use small-scale fracking at a proposed gas exploration site on the edge of Burniston on the heritage coast.

Steep fall in oil and gas use needed to cut emissions, says climate advisor. DrillOrDrop reports on advice from the government’s climate advisor today that the UK must swap oil and gas for clean electricity to meet its next set of carbon reduction targets.

BP blames ‘misplaced’ faith in green transition for its renewed focus on fossil fuels. The Guardian reports on BP’s abandonment of green ambitions in favour of ramping up fossil fuel production. The chief executive, Murray Auchincloss, said he was cutting £4bn from the low-carbon investment plan, claiming that optimism over the pace of the green transition had been “misplaced”. Widely reported including BBC News and Sky News.

AJ Lucas half-year report and results. Cuadrilla’s parent company, AJ Lucas reports in half-year results that the UK industry regular extended the deadline for plugging and abandoning the Preston New Road shale gas wells until June 2025. AJ Lucas also said its UK operations incurred administrative and holding costs of $1.5m.

Tuesday 25 February 2025

Heyco confirms shale gas fracking plan in Gainsborough. DrillOrDrop report on Heyco’s presentation at an energy conference on proposals to develop a giant gasfield in Lincolnshire.

Environmental campaigner removed from energy conference for “body language”. DrillOrDrop reports a campaigner who brought a legal challenge against oil production plans in Lincolnshire, was escorted out of an energy conference in the county this morning.

Monday 24 February 2025

More equipment enters frack site. DrillOrDrop reports that at least 10 lorry loads of equipment were delivered today to decommission two former shale gas wells at Cuadrilla’s mothballed fracking site near Blackpool.

Star Energy trading update. Star Energy reports that net production for 2024 averaged 1,989boe/d, in line with guidance. Cash at the year end was £4.7m. The company had exchanged contracts on non-core land for £6.3m and invested £5.6m in oil and gas assets during 2024. It expects to spend £5.8m on the Singleton gas-to-wire project, forecast to come online in late 2025, generating electricity from gas that is currently flared.

Friday 21 February 2025

UKOG share placing. UKOG announces it has raised £400,431 in a private placing of shares to professional investors at a discounted price. The proceeds will be used to “further the progress of the company’s South Dorset hydrogen storage project” and its participation in a procurement round planned for later this year.

Thursday 20 February 2025

Decom equipment delivered to frack site. DrillOrDrop reports that decommissioning of Cuadrilla’s mothballed fracking wells is due to get underway within days after a crane was delivered to the site near Blackpool.

Wednesday 19 February 2025

Biscathorpe appeal – delay likely. DrillOrDrop reports that the decision over plans to extract oil in the Lincolnshire Wolds looks likely to be delayed.

Monday 17 February 2025

“No significant environmental impact” from gas drilling at Foxholes – planners. DrillOrDrop reports on North Yorkshire Council’s response to plans for gas exploration near a village between Scarborough and Bridlington.

Friday 14 February 2025

“Giant gasfield” discovered in Lincolnshire – reports. DrillOrDrop reviews reports that Egdon Resources has discovered a “giant gasfield” in Lincolnshire.

Tuesday 11 February 2025

Board change at Europa. Europa Oil & Gas announces that Bo Kroll has been appointed as non-executive chairman. He replaces Brian O’Cathain, who held the position for seven years.

Monday 10 February 2025

UKOG reports increase in Horndean oil production. DrillOrDrop article on report by UK Oil & Gas plc that production at the Horndean oilfield in Hampshire increased last month (January 2025) following a workover in late 2024.

Friday 7 February 2025

“Unlawful” operations continued at Horse Hill after voluntary suspension. DrillOrDrop reports the Horse Hill oil site at the centre of a landmark Supreme Court judgement on climate emissions continued “unlawful” operations, despite announcing work had been suspended.

Wednesday 5 February 2025

New Yorkshire gas drilling plans revealed. DrillOrDrop reports Egdon Resources wans to drill for gas at a new site between Bridlington and Scarborough, official documents have shown.

Monday 3 February 2025

Saltfleetby field booster compressor delivered. Angus Energy reports the booster compressor for the Saltfleetby Field gas processing facility in Lincolnshire has been delivered. The unit was manufactured in the USA and shipped to the UK, arriving on site last week. It has been positioned on a concrete plinth and work to complete installation is now underway.

Sunday 2 February 2025

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – November 2024. DrillOrDrop reports that UK production of onshore oil was up in November 2024 but onshore gas was down, according to official figures just released.

Friday 31 January 2025

Plans and permits update. Catch up with recent UK onshore oil and gas applications and decisions with DrillOrDrop’s update.

Europa Oil & Gas update. Europa Oil & Gas reported it intends to submit a planning application for a Cloughton (Burniston) appraisal well during the first three months of 2025. The company said a dedicated website was being constructed to provide information to stakeholders. Europa also announced it was looking to optimise production at Crosby Warren, with a workover expected during 2025.

Reabold Resources completes investment in Rathlin Energy. Reabold Resources reports it has completed its acquisition of Rathlin Energy shares from Connaught Oil Gas, first announced on 12 December 2024. The deal cost Reabold £700,000 and increases Reabold’s equity in Rathlin to about 79.8%.

Thursday 30 January 2025

Breaking: Rosebank oilfield decision ruled unlawful. DrillOrDrop and others report on the ruling by the Court of Sessions in Edinburgh that the previous Conservative government’s decisions to approve development of the Rosebank oilfield off Shetland and the smaller Jackdaw gasfield were unlawful. The ruling was based on the landmark judgement by the Supreme Court in the Sarah Finch challenge over the Horse Hill oil site in Surrey. This decided that greenhouse gas emissions from burning the oil must be taken into account, as well as emissions from the production process.

Three Just Stop Oil supporters found guilty of Treasury paint action in response to Jackdaw consent. Just Stop Oil reports three of its supporters who sprayed red paint over the Treasury in 2022 have been found guilty by a jury today. They took action declaring that the UK government had blood on its hands as a result of its plans to encourage new oil and gas projects in the UK and its failure to address fuel poverty. They are due to be sentenced on Friday 4 April 2025.

Views sought on Star Energy’s National Park cable plan. DrillOrDrop reports that Star Energy is seeking to export electricity generated at the Singleton oil and gas site in the South Downs National Park.

Wednesday 29 January 2025

Reeves backs Heathrow expansion saying third runway is ‘badly needed’. Many news outlets, including BBC, report confirmation from the chancellor that the government backs a new runway at Heathrow Airport.

Rachel Reeves said:

“We cannot duck the decision any longer. The last full-length runway in Britain was built in the 1940s: no progress for 80 years.”

Reeves claimed the case for expansion at Europe’s busiest airport was “stronger than ever”. She insisted expansion would be achieved within the government’s carbon targets, saying: “We are already making great strides towards cleaner and greener aviation.”

Friends of the Earth said:

“Sacrificing nature and our climate isn’t leadership, it’s rash, short-sighted and a sure-fire way to lose the trust of those who believed Labour’s election promises on the environment. Instead the Chancellor must embrace green growth.”

Tuesday 28 January 2025

Villagers and oil company argue over threat to water supplies – Appeal Court. DrillOrDrop reports contamination from a West Sussex oil site could potentially end up in a drinking water reservoir, villagers told the Court of Appeal today.

Cuadrilla gets more time for frack site decommissioning. DrillOrDrop reports the fracking company, Cuadrilla, has been given just over four weeks to start plugging the shale gas wells at its mothballed Preston New Road site in Lancashire.

Monday 27 January 2025

“Uncertainty” over Cuadrilla’s finances. DrillOrDrop reports on “material uncertainty” over the finances of companies in the Cuadrilla oil and gas group, annual accounts have revealed.

Balcombe villagers challenge oil site at Appeal Court. DrillOrDrop reports that residents from the West Sussex village of Balcombe are at the Court of Appeal in the morning (Tuesday 28 January 2025) in their latest challenge against oil development.

UKOG drops Portland gas storage project. UKOG announces it will no longer pursue the Portland hydrogen storage project. It is switching attention to a hydrogen storage project west of Weymouth. The company said a preliminary project design has been completed for the Weymouth project. It will pursue government funding for the Weymouth scheme, as well as another project in East Yorkshire.

Wednesday 22 January 2025

World’s addiction to fossil fuels is ‘Frankenstein’s monster’, says UN chief. The Guardian reports that the world’s addiction to fossil fuels is a “Frankenstein’s monster sparing nothing and no one”, the UN secretary general, António Guterres, told leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.

Monday 20 January 2025

Trump signs order to withdraw US from Paris climate agreement for second time. Many news outlets report on his first day back as president, Trump signs a letter giving notice to the UN that the US is leaving the treaty seeking to curb the effects of the climate crisis. Guardian report

Saturday 18 January 2025

Council worked for oil company on Biscathorpe production bid. DrillOrDrop reports on a council which declared a climate state of emergency was paid by an oil company in its latest bid for long-term production.

Tuesday 14 January 2025

Egdon submits first assessment of climate impact of onshore oil. DrillOrDrop reports on how last year’s landmark legal judgement on the climate impact  of onshore oil has forced the UK’s first ever formal assessment of carbon emissions from burning hydrocarbons.

Villagers visit fracking site that is now producing clean energy. DrillOrDrop reports on the transition of a fracking site in North Yorkshire which is now piloting renewable energy.

Friday 10 January 2025

Surrey earthquake swarm may be linked to oil operations – new study. DrillOrDrop reports that more than 150 small earthquakes in Surrey in 2018 and 2019 might have been triggered by oil operations, according to a new study, published today.

Thursday 9 January 2025

News on action over Cuadrilla’s breached fracking site due within weeks. DrillOrDrop reports that Lancashire County Council is expected to announce by the end of January what action it will take on Cuadrilla’s fracking site which is now in breach of planning permission.

“Full and fair assessment” of climate emissions would rule out new oil and gas – campaigner. DrillOrDrop reports that the campaigner behind last year’s Supreme Court judgement on climate emissions has called for strict new rules that would prevent most future oil and gas extraction.

Wednesday 8 January 2025

Europa says formal plans for Scarborough fracking project to be submitted ‘imminently’. The Scarborough and BBC News report comments by Europa Oil & Gas that a planning application for a hydraulic fracking project in Burniston near Scarborough will be submitted in the next few weeks.

Tuesday 7 December 2025

UJO spuds another US well. Union Jack Oil reports it has spudded the Moccasin 1-13 well in Seminole County, Oklahoma. The well will be drilled to a target depth of 5,500ft.

Friday 3 January 2025

Star Energy increases stake in geothermal group. DrillOrDrop reports on Star Energy’s acquisition of more shares in A14 Energy Limited, which has interests in Croatia.

2025 diary. DrillOrDrop’s diary of events in 2025 involving the UK onshore oil and gas industry and campaigns about it.

Thursday 2 January 2025

UK onshore oil and gas production in figures and charts – October 2024. DrillOrDrop’s analysis of the most recent monthly oil and gas figures shows the lowest daily production rate for UK onshore oil since the oil leak at Wytch Farm 18 months earlier.

For headlines from previous months, click here. Please let us know if we’ve missed something contact@DrillOrDrop.com

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