Trump Claim on UK North Sea Oil Questioned
US President Donald Trump claimed that the United Kingdom has up to 500 years of oil and gas reserves left in the North Sea, criticising British energy policy and calling for increased fossil fuel production. The remarks were made during a public interaction on global energy issues.
Reality of North Sea Reserves
Available official assessments do not support the claim of centuries of remaining reserves. Estimates of proven and probable oil and gas resources in the UK North Sea run into a few billion barrels. At current production levels, this would sustain output for years or a few decades, not hundreds of years.
Production Trends
North Sea oil and gas production peaked more than two decades ago and has been in long-term decline. While new fields and improved recovery methods may extend production, experts agree that the basin is mature and its remaining potential is limited.
Policy Context
The UK continues to balance domestic production with climate commitments and energy security needs. Even with continued extraction, the country is expected to rely on energy imports over the long term.
