The UK is officially leaving the EU. What now for energy?
UK prime minister Theresa May has hailed the dawn of a "Global Britain", but Brexit's critics say it will cripple the economy, kill access to its main market, spark ruinous inflation and shred the country's global influence.
Now that Article 50 has been signed, officially starting the process of the UK leaving the EU, what will it mean for energy? Here are the six main impacts we have identified. What if Scotland leaves - and takes its oil? Most Scots voted to remain in the EU and Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold a second referendum sometime in the next two years. About 80% of the UK's oil is produced from Scotland's Exclusive Economic Zone, and the share is rising. If Scotland left, the UK could lose all that. Now that May has triggered Article 50 officially starting the UK's departure from the EU — the country has two years to sort out the divorce. May says the UK will leave the EU with
Also in this section
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation






