Great Britain wants to develop new oil and gas fields in the North Sea.
Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg announced a new round of licensing for it on Friday, stressing the move is necessary for Britain's energy security and does not conflict with Britain's climate targets.
According to the competent authority, around 100 new licenses are to be issued.
The decision drew criticism with a view to the country's climate goals.
However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) considers compliance with the agreed 1.5 degree target to be possible only if no more new fossil fuel infrastructures are created.
The international community of states has agreed on this brand in order to avert the worst consequences of climate change.
The British government insists that its decision is even in the interest of the environment.
Rees-Mogg emphasized that the domestic combustion of oil and gas is more climate-friendly than importing it because there is no need for transport.
The co-leader of the opposition Green Party, Adrian Ramsey, said: "The government's claim that it is helping the goal of climate neutrality by burning more fossil fuels has no connection to reality."
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon also sharply criticized the plans and urged London to make "strict climate checks" the basis for decisions.
Last year, Great Britain, as the host of the world climate conference, presented itself as a pioneer and warned other countries to say goodbye to fossil fuels.