Proposals for offshore hydrogen regulation
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Detail of outcome
The Offshore Hydrogen Regulation Consultation government response presents the government’s intention to lay a single statutory instrument in Autumn 2023 to implement secondary legislation changes proposed in the Offshore Hydrogen Regulation Consultation.
As an initial approach, these secondary legislation changes will enable the effective regulation of offshore hydrogen pipelines and storage, whilst ensuring the environmental and decommissioning aspects of offshore hydrogen projects are duly considered.
Detail of feedback received
We received 18 responses to this consultation. We also held several stakeholder meetings and workshops, including a question and answer (Q&A) event which we used to discuss and gauge initial views on the consultation. In addition we have been engaging through the Hydrogen Regulators Forum, and directly with interested parties through bilateral meetings where requested.
The regulatory proposals for offshore hydrogen pipelines and storage set out in the consultation received significant support, as more than 94% of respondents agreed with our proposals.
Original consultation
Consultation description
This consultation proposes and seeks views on plans for secondary legislation to extend offshore oil and gas pipeline construction and use consenting responsibility of the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) to also apply to hydrogen pipelines.
It also proposes to extend certain environmental and decommissioning regulations to apply to relevant hydrogen activities, and grants the NSTA powers to issue hydrogen storage licenses.
As a consequence of these proposals, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) would be responsible for relevant offshore environmental impact assessments and habitats assessments prior to the NSTA granting relevant approval(s).
We regard this as an initial approach to regulatory design, which is subject to further evolution.
The consultation is open to all to respond, but will be of specific interest to hydrogen economy stakeholders, including:
- hydrogen producers
- hydrogen consumers
- gas transporters
- storage operators
- investors
- consumer champions
- trade associations
- academics
Read our consultation privacy notice.
Documents
Last updated 6 September 2023 + show all updates
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Summary of responses / government response published.
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First published.