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
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
