Major oil and gas operators face stricter demands to meet emissions targets and accelerate the energy transition.

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has called on oil and gas companies to increase efforts to end the routine flaring and venting of excess gas by 2030. The directive came during the authority’s annual meeting, which brought together key industry players to address the sector’s environmental responsibilities.

According to the NSTA, the region’s operators are developing 22 projects targeting an estimated 1.5 billion barrels of oil and gas reserves beneath the North Sea. These projects, at various stages of development, will undergo rigorous emissions assessments to ensure compliance with sustainability goals.

Since 2022, seven projects with a combined production capacity of 100 million barrels have received approval, representing an investment of £1.1 billion. The authority emphasised the need for operators to embrace clean electricity to power their platforms, aligning with the North Sea Transition Deal’s target of cutting production emissions by 50% by 2030.

Stuart Payne, the authority’s chief executive, highlighted the North Sea’s potential to drive the UK’s energy transition. He stated: “The North Sea offers vast resources, from oil and gas to wind and storage capabilities, which can enhance energy security, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and support thousands of skilled jobs.”

While production efficiency has improved since widespread maintenance shutdowns in 2021, which reduced efficiency to 73%, the NSTA urged operators to adopt measures to eliminate routine gas flaring entirely by the end of the decade.

The meeting also addressed the need for repurposing existing oil and gas infrastructure for low-carbon initiatives, such as hydrogen production and carbon storage, as part of efforts to integrate offshore energy systems and achieve net-zero emissions.

The authority is set to announce the results of the UK’s first carbon storage licensing round, which attracted 26 bids from 19 companies. Additionally, decisions on the preferred development options for two electrification projects are expected later this year.

Payne expressed optimism about the meeting’s outcomes, stating: “I am confident that today’s discussions will drive real progress. The collaborative and constructive dialogue has sharpened the focus on actions and projects that will accelerate the path to net zero.”