The carbon storage industry represents a unique growth opportunity for the UK and it received a significant boost today with the publication of maps which show areas of the North Sea considered to be of interest for future carbon storage appraisal activity. Â
The NSTA's maps (UKCS regional carbon storage potential) rate the different geographic areas of the UK Continental Shelf according to their relative potential for CO2 storage appraisal based on geology, data availability and the options each offer in support of the UK's storage requirements. Â
Andy Brooks, NSTA Director of New Ventures, said:Â
"The carbon storage industry is a vital part of the energy transition and will create thousands of skilled jobs as well as supporting the drive to reduce emissions.Â
"The NSTA maps published today will support that growing industry with at-a-glance information that will help potential developers identify those regions of the UK that offer future storage appraisal and development opportunities."Â
The government pledged £21 billion support for the industry in 2024, estimating that it will create tens of thousands of jobs, while also supporting net zero aims.Â
The NSTA is the licensing authority and technical regulator for offshore subsurface CO2 storage across the UKCS and works closely with government, industry and other stakeholders to understand potential storage resources and help ensure they are appraised and developed in a way that benefits industry and the journey to net zero.Â
The map-based tool provides a regional screening analysis and represents the NSTA's first step towards a more proactive, evidence-led approach to CO2 storage appraisal, complementing The Crown Estate's Marine Delivery Routemap and other spatial programmes active in the UK's offshore space. Â
The portal will evolve over time and will be updated as new data becomes available, methodologies improve and understanding deepens.Â
Contact Information
Simon Belgard
simon.belgard@nstauthority.co.uk
The North Sea Transition Authority is the business name for the Oil & Gas Authority, a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 09666504 and VAT registered number 249433979. Our registered office is at Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT.
