The North Sea Transition Authority in investigating an oil and gas company for flaring and venting without consent in the North Sea.
ENERGY WASTE
Possible likely action by the regulator includes a fine or up to the relevant licence being taken away.
“Monitoring flaring and venting and reducing emissions are vital parts of the NSTA’s work to help the UK Government meet the net zero target,” said the NSTA today in a statement.
“These processes also waste gas which could otherwise be used to boost the UK’s energy security.”
NET ZERO
NSTA added that compliance with consents was an indicator of good management of fields by licensees and a vital pillar of a company’s social licence to operate.
“Under the NSTA’s strategy, licensees have an obligation to assist the secretary of state to meet the net zero target, while optimising oil and gas production to bolster security of supply.
“Unauthorised flaring and venting go against this obligation.”
Flaring and venting made up 26% of emissions from oil and gas production activities in the UK North Sea between 2018 and 2020.
The North Sea Transition Deal commits industry to reduce emissions from production operations by at least 50% by 2030, against a 2018 baseline, towards net zero by 2050.