UKCS can help achieve net zero

The UK continental shelf (UKCS) has a “significant role” to play in helping governments achieve their net zero targets in the coming decades, a new report has said.

Integrating oil and gas production with renewable energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen could account for 30% of the emissions reductions needed by 2050, the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) said.

The regulator also said offshore wind, wave and tidal projects could contribute a further 30% towards the UK’s net zero target.

It means UKCS activities, supported by investments in onshore infrastructure, could help deliver three-fifths of national decarbonisation

“Integration has potential to make a deep impact”

requirements. The UK and Scottish governments have set legally binding targets to cut emissions to net zero by 2050 and 2045, respectively.

In its report, the OGA outlined its next steps for driving decarbonisation on the UKCS, ranging from accelerating progress on “pioneering projects” to improving “data availability, quality and access”.

OGA chief executive Andy Samuel said the report demonstrated that the UKCS is a “critical energy resource”.

He said: “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 CCS and through CCS plus hydrogen.

“We’re working with other regulators, government and industry to ensure this potential is delivered at pace as part of the UK green recovery.”