The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has opened its second carbon storage licensing round today, marking another key step in the UK’s effort to scale up carbon capture and storage (CCS) capacity across the continental shelf.
The licensing round will run until Tuesday 24 March 2026 after which applications will be reviewed with a view to awarding licences in early 2027.
Commenting, OEUK’s Head of Energy Policy, Enrique Cornejo, said:
“The UK has 78 gigatons of carbon storage – the largest in Europe. This gives us a huge opportunity to cut emissions, meet our climate goals, and create high-quality jobs. With decades of expertise in the oil and gas sector, we already have the skills and infrastructure to make this a success.
“Right now, only a handful of projects are connected to storage sites, and delays mean we’re not fully using the capacity we have. Over 100 licences will ultimately be needed to meet net zero, and it is vital existing licences have a clear route to market. Moving faster to match carbon storage with emitter needs will not only secure the UK’s leadership in Europe but also drive significant investment and job growth across our industrial regions.
“CCS isn’t just about cutting emissions, it’s about securing the future of UK industry, supporting regional growth, and positioning Britain as a global leader in clean technologies. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity we can’t afford to miss.”
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