NSTA analysis shows the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) can make a major contribution to net zero. Oil and gas infrastructure and capabilities can be leveraged for CCS, offshore wind deployment, and hydrogen transport and storage.
The Energy Integration Project, supported by the Better Regulation Executive’s Regulators’ Pioneer Fund, explored how different offshore energy systems (oil and gas, renewables, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage) could be co-ordinated across the UKCS for environmental and efficiency gains, including identifying technical, regulatory and economic hurdles.
The results are remarkable. Integration has the potential to make a deep and meaningful impact, with a possible 30% contribution towards the country’s overall net zero target, primarily through carbon capture and storage (CCS), and through CCS plus hydrogen.
Adding offshore renewables (wind, wave and tidal) could take that up to 60% of the abatement required in 2050; demonstrating that the UKCS is a critical energy resource. We’re working with other regulators, government and industry to ensure this potential is delivered at pace as part of the UK green recovery.
We will continue to work with project partners, industry and others to implement the recommendations and actions set out in this report to accelerate the UKCS net zero potential.
Working with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ - previously known as the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)), The Crown Estate, Ofgem and others, we have published the following:
Phase 1 project publications
- Interim report confirming technical feasibility of energy integration and viable options for helping decarbonise the economy
Phase 2 reports were published in 2020, and Phase 3 in 2022:
Phase 2 project publications
- Summary report
- Annex 1 – Offshore electrification
- Annex 2 - Carbon capture and storage
- Annex 3 – Hydrogen
Phase 3