Energy Transition

Norway, UK open more offshore areas for CO2 storage

April 30, 2024

Eight companies have submitted applications to Norway’s Ministry of Energy for two areas in the North Sea for potential storage of CO2.

Carbon capture and storage entails capturing, transporting and storing CO2 from sources such as power generation or industrial emissions.

Offshore staff

OSLO, Norway — Eight companies have submitted applications to Norway’s Ministry of Energy for two areas in the North Sea for potential storage of CO₂.

The Ministry is processing the bids and expects to award exploration licenses later next year.

The list of applicants comprises Aker BP, Equinor Low Carbon Solutions, Lime Petroleum, Northern Lights JV DA, OMV (Norge), PGNiG Upstream Norway, Vår Energi and Wintershall Dea Norge.

In the UK, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has invited applications for CO₂ appraisal and storage licenses in an area of the English Channel between southern England and France.

The licenses would confer exclusive rights for the exploration and appraisal of potential sites for storing CO₂ in the subsurface.

The North Sea Transition Authority has invited applications for an out of round CO2 storage license in saline aquifers off the Isle of Wight.

Applicants must register their interest within the next fortnight and submit applications by June 5. Thereafter, the NSTA will conduct technical evaluations of the submissions, and the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) will perform separate assessments under the UK’s Habitats Regulations.

04.30.2024