UK government plans to mandate oil and gas licensing in the North Sea

The UK government revealed plans to mandate oil and gas licensing in the North Sea in a bid to reduce dependency on “hostile foreign regimes," it will be announced in the King’s Speech.

The plans were set to provide job security for 200,000 workers in the £16 billion industry more secure, and to help with the transition to net zero in 2050.

Legislation to be set out later this week will require the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) to invite applications for new production license on an annual basis to “safeguard the prosperity of our country”.

Data published by the Climate Change Committee showed the UK will continue to rely on oil and gas to help meet its energy needs even after net zero in 2050.

Production from new gas and oil fields in the North Sea can be much cleaner than older ones, and it is tipped to help unlock green investment and development of technologies including hydrogen.

Renewables generated a record 48.1% of electricity in the first quarter of this year.

The UK government said the move would “bolster energy security, reducing reliance on imports from hostile foreign regimes such as Russia” and “leaving us less exposed to unpredictable international forces”, which was promised to lower household bills.

Encouraging domestic gas production, rather than importing higher-carbon emitting liquified natural gas from other countries, means lower carbon fuels for the UK.

Each annual licensing round will only take place if key tests are met that support the transition to net zero, including that the UK must be projected to import more oil and gas from other countries than it produces at home, and that carbon emissions associated with the production of UK gas are lower than the equivalent emissions from imported liquefied natural gas.

If both tests are met, the NSTA will be required to invite applications for new licences annually.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am proud that the UK is a world leader in reducing emissions, and of our new plan to transition to net zero without adding undue burdens on households and securing the country’s long-term interest.

“Domestic energy will play a crucial role in the transition to net zero, supporting jobs and economic growth, while also protecting us from the volatility of international markets and diversifying our energy sources. The clarity and certainty that our new legislation will provide will help get the country on the right path for the future.”

Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Claire Coutinho, said: “The UK has cut its emissions faster than any of its peers.

“But as the independent Climate Change Committee acknowledges, we will need oil and gas even as we reach net zero.

“It’s common sense to make the most of homegrown advantages and use oil, gas, wind and hydrogen on our doorstep in the North Sea.

“Rather than importing dirtier fuels from abroad, we want to give industry the certainty to invest in jobs.”

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