U.K.’s North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) is expected to soon assume the role of offshore hydrogen transport and storage regulator following the conclusion of a consultation on the proposal.
According to NSTA, the move is intended to support the industry by enabling pioneering projects to obtain the necessary licences and consents and move quickly into operation.
The legislation coming into effect is expected to mean the following:
NSTA said that the move to put hydrogen regulation in place follows the publication of the U.K. Hydrogen Strategy in 2021, which emphasized the role hydrogen can play in the drive to reach net zero. According to the Strategy estimates, 5 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production could produce hydrogen equivalent to the amount of gas consumed by over 3 million households in the U.K. each year.
To note, the Statutory Instrument was laid in the U.K. Parliament on 6 September, and subject to Parliamentary approval, the legislation will come into effect in 21 days.
Hedvig Ljungerud, NSTA Director of Strategy, commented on the appointment: “This decision highlights the importance of hydrogen in a net zero future and further cements the NSTA’s role in driving forward the energy transition. We fully appreciate the need for an integrated energy basin and firmly believe we are best placed to deliver it. It is also vital for the development of the wider hydrogen economy, which the NSTA will support alongside our ongoing work in carbon storage and fossil fuels.”
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