Carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS): offshore decommissioning regime for CO2 transport and storage

The government expects carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) to play an essential role in meeting our net zero target and supporting the low carbon transformation of the UK’s industrial base. The 2020 Ten point plan included a commitment to deploy CCUS in 2 industrial clusters by the mid-2020s and a further 2 clusters by 2030, with an ambition to capture 10 MtCO₂ per year by 2030.

Existing UK legislation is clear that when an offshore CCUS storage site is closed, the installations and injection facilities must be removed when decommissioned. In addition, all other items of equipment, infrastructure and materials that have been installed or drilled are expected to be entirely removed for disposal onshore in accordance with our aim to achieve a clear seabed.

This consultation sets out and seeks views on our proposals for establishing a funded decommissioning regime for CCUS which aims to achieve this outcome and ensures the Polluter Pays Principle is met, while also encouraging investment in the sector to meet the government’s wider objectives.

This consultation will be of interest to:

• industry, particularly in CCUS-enabled industrial regions such as South Wales, Scotland, the North West, the North East and Humberside
• investors and developers involved in potential CCUS projects
• environmental and offshore regulatory authorities
• NGOs and other organisations with an interest in climate and energy

See the BEIS consultation privacy notice.

Please do not send responses by post to the department at the moment as we may not be able to access them.