Licences for oil and gas in the North Sea to be awarded every year, UK Government says

The UK Government is set to award licences for oil and gas projects in the North Sea annually.

The plans to reduce dependency on “hostile foreign regimes” will be announced in the King’s Speech.

The Government aims to provide job security for 200,000 workers in the £16bn industry and to help with the transition to net zero in 2050.

Legislation to be set out later this week in the King’s Speech 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.”

Offshore Energies UK chief executive David Whitehouse, said: “The UK needs the churn of new licences to manage production decline in line with our maturing basin.

“A predictable licencing process with transparent checks will support the highly skilled people working in the sector, while ensuring the granting of new licences is compatible with energy security and net zero.

“We all recognise that our energy system must change, and the offshore energy sector is committed to delivering on the climate goals of the UK.

“We should prioritise our homegrown production to support our energy security, our economy, our jobs, and our world class supply chain that will be the foundation of our low carbon future.”

Jon Butterworth, chief executive of National Gas, said: “Gas is the backbone of our nation’s energy system – and it is vital we make the most of the abundant resources we have.

“National Gas are delighted to see the government give their firm backing to the UK’s gas sector today, maintaining the security of our energy supply and ensuring we can continue to power the country as we transition towards net zero.

“By backing gas and embracing hydrogen we can create jobs, secure energy independence, deliver net zero, and keep costs down for households and businesses.”