Willow approval may be turning point that fails to turn

Development expected to produce equivalent of up to 40pc of Alaskan daily production but is unlikely to herald a new age of megaprojects

The US government’s approval of superindie ConocoPhillips’ Willow project in March marked the most consequential—and controversial—oil-related decision of the Biden administration. Willow, a 68,000 acre development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), is anticipated to produce 600mn bl of oil—equivalent to 180,000bl/d, or 40pc of current daily Alaskan output. It is forecast to create 2,500 construction jobs and 300 full-time jobs, and to generate $17bn in revenue for federal, state and local governments. A key factor in Biden’s approval was the widespread support Willow enjoyed from lawmakers of both parties, labour unions and Alaskan Indigenous groups. The project was originall