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
29 April 2026
The UAE’s exit from the alliance marks a decisive step towards a world in which oil markets are shaped less by collective management and more by national strategy
29 April 2026
Trafigura’s $1b prepayment agreement confirms African resource holders’ renewed interest in oil-backed financing deals as they look to capitalise on high oil prices
29 April 2026
The UAE’s departure from the oil producers’ group was a surprise to many, but the move can be traced back to a single point five years ago
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations






