Scottish Oil Explorers Abandon Search in Ibiza   

Ibiza may have a global reputation as one of the world’s hottest party destinations but Scottish firm Cairn Energy has been eyeing it up for a different reason. Wild nightlife aside, Ibiza has been identified as a lucrative offshore oil prospecting destination. Unsurprisingly locals were fiercely opposed to the idea and rapidly launched a passionate ‘Ibiza says no’ protest. Their efforts paid off and after four years of sustained campaigning, conservationists finally claimed victory when Cairn Energy announced it would be abandoning the search for oil.

Why can’t super-clubs and super-rigs coexist?

As an idyllic holiday destination renowned for its pristine beaches and lively atmosphere locals feared that the Cairn Energy project would seriously jeopardise both the natural ecosystem, and the tourism industry.

Celebrity’s speak up

Not only did the battle ignite serious fury within the local Ibiza community but it also captured the attention of A-list celebrities such as Kate Moss and Fatboy Slim. Paris Hilton took to Instagram to voice her opinions, pleading “Don’t let them ruin one of the most beautiful islands in the world.” Locals were ecstatic to see an army of celebrities get behind the campaign and use their star power to get Cairn Energy retreating with its tail between its legs.

The backstory

Back in 2011 Cairn Energy made global headlines when it was granted permission to prospect for oil just 30 miles off the coastline of Ibiza. So how did it manage to acquire such a controversial project? For starters the Spanish government saw it as a lucrative opportunity to reduce the nation’s reliance on energy imports. Furthermore, Cairn Energy also promised a wealth of jobs and prosperity for local residents. Unfortunately, neither of these drawcards was anywhere near enough to convince Ibiza locals that drilling would be a good idea. The project was counteracted with steadfast opposition and a serious concern for the wellbeing of the island’s environment and tourism industry.

A regional triumph for ‘The Med’

For the Mediterranean as a whole the victory is widespread. Serena Cook, a spokesperson for the Ibiza Preservation Fund, maintained that the triumph will play an important role in keeping the Mediterranean rig free. “There are certainly a few more steps to go,” she explains. “But the fact that we have had this win is extremely positive.” 

Unfortunately, the abandonment of the Ibiza project has only led to Cairn Energy focussing its attention elsewhere. It will now begin offshore operations in Senegal, as well as continue with ventures in the Bay of Biscay and the Gulf of Lion. Cairn Energy is optimistic, saying “We’re very committed to continuing to work with the ministry in terms of unlocking the potential that we think exists in Spain.”

Ibiza has managed to escape offshore drilling for now however other projects are still underway. Open ocean rigs are subject to stringent regulations, as discussed in this article titled, Offshore Gas Monitoring for Health and Safety.

Image via Wikipedia