The UK’s offshore and onshore energy resources are being developed by a wide range of companies spanning different sectors. These rich and abundant resources continue to attract new companies and investors from within the UK and overseas.
As regulator for oil and gas, offshore hydrogen, and carbon storage, the North Sea Transition Authority uses its powers to make sure that companies from these industries operate in a responsible way which supports the UK’s energy security and helps the government meet its net zero 2050 target.
We use our licensing and consents processes to determine which companies can undertake oil and gas exploration and production, as well as gas storage, offshore hydrogen, and carbon storage activities, to ensure that work progresses in a timely manner, activities follow good industry practice, and that operators adhere to agreed limits on production volumes and flaring and venting. Operators also need separate authorisation before they construct or carry out work on a pipeline or well.
We also work with a range of partners, including the government, Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland, to ensure demand for space is met offshore, including from the oil, gas, wind and carbon storage sectors.
*The Government, in its press release of 29 August 2024, announced its plans for new environmental guidance for oil and gas firms, to provide stability for industry and support investment, and to consult later this year on the implementation of its manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields. With this in mind, the NSTA has paused issuing any invitations to apply for new licences (including out-of-round invitations) pending the finalisation of the process.
