Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

Energy Act 2023

Type Public General Act

Publication 2023-10-26

Last updated 2026-04-06

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5)(b), the provisions referred to in that paragraph are to be read as if references to the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation included the Secretary of State.

(7) If under subsection (1) the Secretary of State makes modifications of the standard conditions of a licence, the GEMA must—

(a) make the same modification of those standard conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time, and

(b) publish the modification.

(8) If under subsection (2) the Secretary of State makes modifications of the standard conditions of a licence, the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation must—

(a) make the same modification of those standard conditions for the purposes of their incorporation in licences of that type granted after that time, and

(b) publish the modification.

(9) Before making a modification under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) the holder of any licence being modified, and

(b) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to consult.

(10) Subsection (9) may be satisfied by consultation before, as well as by consultation after, the passing of this Act.

Electricity system operator and gas system planner licences: modifications

90

(1) The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of facilitating or ensuring the effective performance of functions specified in subsection (3), modify—

(a) the conditions of a licence under section 6(1)(da) of the Electricity Act 1989 (electricity system operator licence);

(b) a document maintained in accordance with the conditions of such a licence, or an agreement that gives effect to a document so maintained.

(2) The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of facilitating or ensuring the effective performance of functions specified in subsection (3), modify—

(a) the conditions of a licence under section 7AA of the Gas Act 1986 (gas system planner licence);

(b) a document maintained in accordance with the conditions of such a licence, or an agreement that gives effect to a document so maintained.

(3) The functions referred to in subsections (1) and (2) are—

(a) functions of hydrogen production allocation bodies, and

(b) other functions under this Chapter which are related to such functions.

(4) Modifications under subsections (1) and (2) may only make provision in relation to times when the person holding the licence is a hydrogen production allocation body.

(5) The provision referred to in subsection (4) includes consequential or transitional provision in relation to times when it is no longer the case that the person holding the licence is a hydrogen production allocation body.

(6) Provision included in a licence, or in a document or agreement relating to licences, by virtue of a power under this section may in particular—

(a) include provision of any kind that may be included in revenue support regulations or regulations under section 73;

(b) do any of the things authorised for licences of that type by—

(i) section 7B(5)(a), (5ZA), (6) or (7) of the Gas Act 1986, or

(ii) section 7(3), (4), (5) or (6A) of the Electricity Act 1989.

(7) Before making a modification under this section the Secretary of State must consult—

(a) the holder of any licence being modified;

(b) the GEMA;

(8) Subsection (7) may be satisfied by consultation before, as well as by consultation after, the passing of this Act.

Sections 89 and 90: supplementary

91

(1) In this section “relevant power” means a power conferred by—

(a) subsection (1) or (2) of section 89, or

(b) section 90.

(2) Before making modifications under a relevant power, the Secretary of State must lay a draft of the modifications before Parliament.

(3) If, within the 40-day period, either House of Parliament resolves not to approve the draft, the Secretary of State may not take any further steps in relation to the proposed modifications.

(4) If no such resolution is made within that period, the Secretary of State may make the modifications in the form of the draft.

(5) Subsection (3) does not prevent a new draft of proposed modifications being laid before Parliament.

(6) In this section “40-day period”, in relation to a draft of proposed modifications, means the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the draft is laid before Parliament (or, if it is not laid before each House of Parliament on the same day, the later of the 2 days on which it is laid).

(7) For the purposes of calculating the 40-day period, no account is to be taken of any period during which Parliament is dissolved or prorogued or during which both Houses are adjourned for more than 4 days.

(8) A relevant power—

(a) may be exercised generally, only in relation to specified cases or subject to exceptions (including provision for a case to be excepted only so long as specified conditions are satisfied);

(b) may be exercised differently in different cases or circumstances;

(9) Provision included in a licence, or in a document or agreement relating to licences, by virtue of a relevant power—

(a) may make different provision for different cases;

(b) need not relate to the activities authorised by the licence.

(10) The Secretary of State must publish details of any modifications made under a relevant power as soon as reasonably practicable after they are made.

(11) A modification made under a relevant power of part of a standard condition of a licence does not prevent any other part of the condition from continuing to be regarded as a standard condition for the purposes of Part 1 of the Gas Act 1986 or the Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.

(12) The power conferred by a relevant power to “modify” (in relation to licence conditions or a document) includes a power to amend, add to or remove, and references to modifications are to be construed accordingly.

(13) In section 81 of the Utilities Act 2000 (standard conditions of gas licences), in subsection (2), after “Energy Prices Act 2022” insert “or under section 89 or sections 245 to 247 of the Energy Act 2023”.

Chapter 2 — Decommissioning of carbon storage installations

Financing of costs of decommissioning etc

92

(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for requiring relevant persons to provide security for the performance of obligations relating to the future abandonment or decommissioning of carbon dioxide-related sites, pipelines or installations.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) an installation, site or pipeline is “carbon dioxide-related” if it is, or is to be, used for a purpose related to the geological storage, or transportation, of carbon dioxide.

(3) In this section references to an installation, site or pipeline include one that is located in, under or over—

(a) the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom, or

(b) waters in a Gas Importation and Storage Zone (within the meaning given by section 1 of the Energy Act 2008).

(4) The following provisions of this section are without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1).

(5) In this section “relevant person” means a person who—

(a) holds a licence under section 7, or

(b) is a person to whom a notice has been, or may be, given under section 29 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (preparation of abandonment programmes) in respect of a carbon storage installation.

(6) Regulations under subsection (1) may—

(a) require relevant persons to provide the Secretary of State with estimates of costs that are likely to be incurred in connection with obligations such as are mentioned in subsection (1) (“decommissioning costs”);

(b) make provision about the estimation of decommissioning costs and about the manner in which such estimates are to be verified (which may include provision requiring verification by an independent third party);

(c) require relevant persons to review estimates of decommissioning costs at times, or at intervals, specified in the regulations;

(d) make provision about the approval by the Secretary of State of estimates of such costs;

(e) provide for information specified, or of a description specified, in the regulations to be supplied to the Secretary of State by relevant persons at such intervals, or on such occasions, as may be prescribed by the regulations;

(f) require the Secretary of State to consult the Oil and Gas Authority or any other person specified in the regulations before exercising functions by virtue of paragraph (d).

(7) Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision—

(a) requiring that security for the discharge of liabilities in respect of decommissioning costs must be provided by way of a fund (a “decommissioning fund”);

(b) about the management of decommissioning funds;

(d) providing for payments from such funds to be subject to the approval of the Secretary of State;

(e) imposing on a relevant authority functions with regard to—

(i) the monitoring and oversight of decommissioning funds;

(ii) the approval of any matter relating to such a fund.

(8) This section is without prejudice to the breadth of subsection (4) of section 30 of the Energy Act 2008.

(9) Regulations under subsection (1) may require the Secretary of State to publish guidance about—

(a) estimates of decommissioning costs (including factors which it may be appropriate to consider in deciding whether or not to approve estimates of such costs);

(b) the structure, accrual and management of decommissioning funds.

(10) Guidance by virtue of this section may make different provision for different cases or circumstances.

(11) In this section—

“carbon storage installation” has the same meaning as in section 30 of the Energy Act 2008;

“decommissioning costs” is to be interpreted in accordance with subsection (6)(a);

“decommissioning fund” is to be interpreted in accordance with subsection (7)(a);

“economic regulator” has the same meaning as in Part 1 (see section 55);

“geological storage” has the same meaning as in Part 1 (see section 55);

“relevant authority” means the Secretary of State, the economic regulator or the Oil and Gas Authority.

Section 92: supplementary

93

(1) Regulations under section 92 (1) may make provision—

(a) enabling a relevant authority to charge fees to relevant persons in order to cover the costs of the exercise of the authority’s functions under the regulations;

(b) about how fees payable by virtue of the regulations are to be determined;

(2) Regulations under section 92 (1) may make provision about the supplying of information, including—

(a) provision for the Secretary of State to require any other person to supply information to the Secretary of State for the purposes of the Secretary of State’s functions under regulations under that section;

(b) about the sharing by the Secretary of State with the Oil and Gas Authority or the economic regulator of information about funds established as mentioned in section 92 (7)(a).

(3) Regulations under section 92 (1) may make provision about compliance with requirements imposed by or under the regulations, including—

(a) provision imposing civil penalties;

(b) provision making it an offence to contravene specified provisions of the regulations.

(4) Where regulations under section 92 (1) provide for the imposition of a civil penalty, they must also provide for a right of appeal against the imposition of the penalty.

(5) Where regulations under section 92 (1) create an offence, they must also make provision as to the mode of trial and punishment of offences, but—

(a) any provision as to punishment on summary conviction must not authorise imprisonment or, in the case of summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland, a fine exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) any provision as to punishment on conviction on indictment must not authorise imprisonment for a term exceeding 2 years.

(6) Regulations under section 92 (1) may—

(a) make different provision for different purposes;

(b) create exceptions to any requirement imposed by the regulations.

(7) Regulations under section 92 (1) may confer any function on any person.

(8) Regulations under section 92 (1) may provide for a function conferred on a person to be exercisable on that person’s behalf by another person.

(9) In this section—

“economic regulator” has the same meaning as in Part 1 (see section 55);

“relevant authority” means the Secretary of State, the economic regulator or the Oil and Gas Authority;

“relevant person” has the same meaning as in section 92.

(10) Regulations under section 92 (1) may make any amendments of—

(a) the Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2221),

(b) the Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/24),

(d) the Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. (N.I.) 2015 No. 387),

that the Secretary of State considers appropriate in consequence of, or of provision made under, section 92 or this section.

(11) Regulations under section 92 (1) containing any of the following (with or without other provision) are subject to the affirmative procedure—

(a) provision creating a criminal offence;

(b) provision creating a civil penalty.

(12) Any other regulations under section 92 (1) are subject to the negative procedure.

Regulations under section 92(1): procedure with devolved authorities

94

(1) Before making regulations under section 92 (1) that contain provision within devolved competence, the Secretary of State must give notice to each relevant devolved authority—

(a) stating that the Secretary of State proposes to make regulations under section 92 (1), and

(b) specifying the period (of not less than 28 days from the date on which the notice is given) within which representations may be made with respect to the provision within the relevant devolved competence,

and must consider any representations duly made and not withdrawn.

(2) In this section, “relevant devolved authority”, in relation to regulations, means—

(a) the Scottish Ministers, if the regulations contain provision within Scottish devolved competence;

(b) the Welsh Ministers, if the regulations contain provision within Welsh devolved competence;

(c) the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, if the regulations contain provision within Northern Ireland devolved competence;

and “the relevant devolved competence”, in relation to a relevant devolved authority, is to be construed accordingly.

(3) For the purposes of this section, provision—

(a) is within Scottish devolved competence if it would be within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament if it were contained in an Act of that Parliament;

(b) is within Welsh devolved competence if it would be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru if it were contained in an Act of the Senedd (ignoring any requirement for the consent of a Minister of the Crown imposed under Schedule 7B to the Government of Wales Act 2006);

(i) would be within the legislative competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly if it were contained in an Act of that Assembly, and

(ii) would not, if it were contained in a Bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly, result in the Bill requiring the consent of the Secretary of State under section 8 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998;

and references to provision being within devolved competence are to provision that is within Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland devolved competence.

Abandonment of carbon storage installations etc

Provisions relating to Part 4 of the Petroleum Act 1998

95

(1) Section 30 of the Energy Act 2008 (abandonment of installations) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (6).

(2) In subsection (1), for “, (2)” substitute “to (2)”.

(3) After subsection (1A) insert—

(1AA) Part 4 of the 1998 Act, in its application in relation to carbon storage installations, has effect with the modifications set out in subsection (1AB). (1AB) The modifications are as follows— (a) in section 30 of the 1998 Act, for subsections (5) and (6) substitute— (5) This subsection applies to a person in relation to a carbon storage installation if— (a) the person has the right— (i) to use a controlled place for the storage of carbon dioxide (with a view to its permanent disposal, or as an interim measure prior to its permanent disposal), (ii) to convert any natural feature in a controlled place for the purpose of storing carbon dioxide (with a view to its permanent disposal, or as an interim measure prior to its permanent disposal), or (iii) to explore a controlled place with a view to, or in connection with, the carrying on of the activities within sub-paragraph (i) or (ii), and (b) either— (i) any activity mentioned in subsection (6) is carried on from, by means of or on the installation, or (ii) the person intends to carry on an activity mentioned in that subsection from, by means of or on the installation, or if the person had such a right when any such activity was last so carried on. (6) The activities referred to in subsection (5) are— (a) the use of a controlled place for the storage of carbon dioxide (with a view to its permanent disposal, or as an interim measure prior to its permanent disposal) in the exercise of the right mentioned in subsection (5)(a); (b) the conversion of any natural feature in a controlled place for the purpose of storing carbon dioxide (with a view to its permanent disposal, or as an interim measure prior to its permanent disposal) in the exercise of the right mentioned in subsection (5)(a); (c) the exploration of a controlled place in the exercise of the right mentioned in subsection (5)(a) with a view to, or in connection with, the carrying on of activities within paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection; (d) the conveyance in the controlled place mentioned in subsection (5)(a)of carbon dioxide by means of a pipe or system of pipes, in the exercise of the right mentioned in subsection (5)(a); and (e) the provision of accommodation for persons who work on or from an installation which is or has been maintained, or is intended to be established, for the carrying on of an activity falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of this subsection. (b) in section 30(7) of that Act, in the words before paragraph (a), for “(c)” substitute “(e)”; (c) in section 31 of that Act, for subsection (B1) substitute— (B1) This subsection applies to an activity if— (a) where the activity is within paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of section 30(6), the controlled place mentioned in that paragraph is one for which the installation is, or is to be, established or maintained; (b) where the activity is within paragraph (d) of section 30(6), the conveyance of the carbon dioxide relates to a controlled place for which the installation is, or is to be, established; (c) where the activity is within paragraph (e) of section 30(6), the installation is in a controlled place in respect of which P has a licence under section 18 of the Energy Act 2008. (d) in section 31 of that Act, omit subsection (C1); (e) in section 45 of that Act, in the appropriate place insert— - “controlled place” has the same meaning as in section 17 of the Energy Act 2008;

(4) After subsection (4A) insert—

(4B) The powers in subsections (2)(b) and (4) include power to amend or repeal subsections (1AA) and (1AB).

(5) In subsection (5), for the words from “falling” to the end substitute “which is or has been maintained, or is intended to be established, for the purposes of an activity mentioned in section 17(2)(a), (b) or (c) to which subsection (6) applies.”

(6) In subsection (6), for the words from the beginning to “it” substitute “This subsection applies to any activity which is carried on from, by means of or on an installation which”.

(7) The power of the Scottish Ministers under section 30(2)(b) of the Energy Act 2008 to modify Part 4 of the Petroleum Act 1998 in its application to certain carbon storage installations includes power to make any modifications of that Part of that Act (in its application to the installations in question) that the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate in consequence of provision made by or under section 92 or 93.

(8) The power of the Secretary of State under section 30(4) of the Energy Act 2008 to modify Part 4 of the Petroleum Act 1998 in its application to certain carbon storage installations includes power to make any modifications of that Part of that Act (in its application to the installations in question) that the Secretary considers appropriate in consequence of provision made by or under section 92 or 93.

(9) In section 29 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (preparation of programmes), in subsection (6), for the words from “in question,” to the end substitute “in question if the Secretary of State has under section 32—

(a) rejected that programme, or

(b) approved it (whether or not the approval has been withdrawn).”

(10) Section 38A of the Petroleum Act 1998 (protection of funds set aside for the purposes of abandonment programme) has effect as if the reference in subsection (1) of that section to the performance of obligations under an approved abandonment programme included a reference to the meeting of liabilities in respect of decommissioning costs in relation to carbon storage installations.

(11) In this section—

“carbon storage installation” has the same meaning as in section 30 of the Energy Act 2008;

“decommissioning costs” has the meaning given by section 92.

Change of use relief

Change of use relief: installations

96

(1) Section 30A of the Energy Act 2008 (installations converted for CCS demonstration projects) is amended as follows.

(2) For the heading substitute “Change of use relief for certain installations”.

(3) In subsection (1), for “by order” insert “, on an application made by a relevant person, by notice”.

(4) Omit subsections (2) and (3).

(5) Before subsection (4) insert—

(3A) The Secretary of State must consult the Oil and Gas Authority before deciding— (a) whether to designate an installation under subsection (1); (b) whether to make a certification under subsection (5)(b).

(6) For subsection (4) substitute—

(4) An eligible CCS installation qualifies for change of use relief if— (a) the Secretary of State has given a CCS-related abandonment programme notice to a person in relation to the abandonment of the installation, and (b) the trigger event has occurred in relation to the installation. (4A) In subsection (4) “CCS-related abandonment programme notice” means an abandonment programme notice given under section 29 of the 1998 Act in that section’s application in relation to carbon storage installations (by virtue of section 30 of this Act).

(7) For subsection (5) substitute—

(5) The trigger event occurs in relation to an eligible CCS installation when— (a) a decommissioning fund (as defined in section 92 (7) of the Energy Act 2023) has been established for providing security for the discharge of liabilities in respect of decommissioning costs in relation to the installation, and (b) the Secretary of State certifies by notice in writing (an “approval notice”) that one or more relevant persons have paid into the fund an amount or amounts the total of which is not less than the required amount. (5A) In subsection (5)— (a) “relevant person” means a person of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State; (b) “the required amount” means an amount determined by the Secretary of State in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State. (5B) Where the Secretary of State gives an approval notice in relation to an eligible CCS installation the Secretary of State must— (a) give a copy of the approval notice to every person to whom a notice has been given under section 29(1) of the 1998 Act in relation to the installation, and (b) publish a notice that— (i) specifies the installation, and (ii) states that the Secretary of State has given an approval notice under subsection (5)(b) in relation to it.

(8) In subsection (11), for “an order made” substitute “a notice given”.

(9) After subsection (11) insert—

(11A) The Secretary of State must publish a notice given under subsection (1).

(10) In subsection (12)—

(a) for ““CCS demonstration project” and “commercial electricity generation” have the same meanings” substitute “has the same meaning”;

(b) omit the definition of “carbon storage facility”;

“decommissioning costs” has the meaning given by section 92 of the Energy Act 2023;

;

““relevant person” means a person to whom a notice may be given under section 29(1) of the 1998 Act in relation to an offshore installation (within the meaning given by section 44 of the 1998 Act);

Change of use relief: carbon storage network pipelines

97

(1) Section 30B of the Energy Act 2008 (submarine pipelines converted for CCS demonstration projects) is amended as follows.

(2) For the heading substitute “Change of use relief: carbon storage network pipelines”.

(3) For “CCS pipeline”, in each place it occurs, substitute “carbon storage network pipeline”.

(4) In subsection (1), for “by order” insert “, on an application made by a relevant person, by notice”.

(5) After subsection (1) insert—

(1A) The Secretary of State must consult the Oil and Gas Authority before deciding— (a) whether to designate a pipeline under subsection (1); (b) whether to make a certification under subsection (3)(b).

(6) For subsection (2) substitute—

(2) An eligible carbon storage network pipeline qualifies for change of use relief if— (a) the Secretary of State has given a CCS-related abandonment programme notice to a person in relation to the abandonment of the pipeline, and (b) the trigger event has occurred in relation to the pipeline. (2A) In subsection (2) “CCS-related abandonment programme notice” means an abandonment programme notice under section 29 of the 1998 Act given at a time when the pipeline is used, or is to be used wholly or mainly— (a) for the purpose of disposing of carbon dioxide by way of geological storage, or (b) as a licensable means of transportation.

(7) For subsection (3) substitute—

(3) The trigger event occurs in relation to an eligible carbon storage network pipeline when— (a) a decommissioning fund (as defined in section 92 (7) of the Energy Act 2023) has been established for providing security for the discharge of liabilities in respect of decommissioning costs in relation to the pipeline, and (b) the Secretary of State certifies by notice in writing (an “approval notice”) that one or more relevant persons have paid into the fund an amount or amounts the total of which is not less than the required amount. (3A) In subsection (3)— (a) “relevant person” means a person of a description specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State; (b) “the required amount” means an amount determined by the Secretary of State in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State. (3B) Where the Secretary of State gives an approval notice in relation to an eligible carbon storage network pipeline, the Secretary of State must— (a) give a copy of the approval notice to every person to whom a notice has been given under section 29(1) of the 1998 Act in relation to the pipeline, and (b) publish a notice that— (i) specifies the pipeline, and (ii) states that the Secretary of State has given an approval notice under subsection (3)(b) in relation to it.

(8) In subsection (6), for “an order made” substitute “a notice given”.

(9) After subsection (6) insert—

(6A) The Secretary of State must publish a notice given under subsection (1).

(10) In subsection (7)—

(a) for “and “CCS demonstration project” have the same meanings” substitute “has the same meaning”;

(b) omit the definition of “carbon storage facility”;

“decommissioning costs” has the meaning given by section 92 of the Energy Act 2023;

;

““geological storage”, in relation to carbon dioxide, has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Energy Act 2023 (see section 55 of that Act);

;

““licensable means of transportation” has the meaning given by section 2 (3) of the Energy Act 2023;

;

““relevant person” means a person to whom a notice may be given under section 29(1) of the 1998 Act in relation to a submarine pipeline;

Change of use relief: supplementary

98

(1) In the Energy Act 2008, after section 30B insert—

(30C) (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the obtaining of information required, and sharing of information held, for the purposes of functions of the Secretary of State under sections 30A and 30B, including provision— (a) for the Secretary of State to require the holder of a licence under section 7 of the Energy Act 2023, or a person who qualifies for change of use relief under section 30A or 30B, to provide information to the Secretary of State; (b) authorising His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (or anyone acting on their behalf) to disclose to the Secretary of State information held as mentioned in section 18(1) of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005; (c) for the enforcement of any requirement imposed by virtue of the regulations. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person “qualifies for change of use relief” if— (a) but for section 30A(6) they would be a person to whom a notice may be given under section 29(1) of the Petroleum Act 1998 in relation to a carbon storage installation, or (b) but for section 30B(4) they would be a person to whom a proposal may be made under section 29(1) of the Petroleum Act 1998 in relation to a submarine pipeline. (3) In this section— - “carbon storage installation” has the same meaning as in section 30 of the Energy Act 2008; - “submarine pipeline” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of the 1998 Act (see section 45 of that Act).

(2) In section 105 of the Energy Act 2008 (Parliamentary control of subordinate legislation), in subsection (2) omit paragraph (aa).

Chapter 3 — Strategy and policy statement

Designation of strategy and policy statement

99

(1) The Secretary of State may designate a statement as the strategy and policy statement for the purposes of this Part (“the CCUS strategy and policy statement”) if the requirements set out in section 102 are satisfied (consultation and laying requirements).

(2) The CCUS strategy and policy statement is a statement prepared by the Secretary of State that sets out—

(a) the strategic priorities, and other main considerations, of His Majesty’s government in formulating its carbon dioxide capture, usage and storage policy for the United Kingdom (“strategic priorities”),

(b) the particular outcomes to be achieved as a result of the implementation of that policy (“policy outcomes”), and

(c) the roles and responsibilities of persons (whether the Secretary of State, the economic regulator or other persons) who are involved in implementing that policy or who have other functions that are affected by it.

(3) In preparing a statement for designation under subsection (1) (or undertaking a review under section 101), the Secretary of State must take account of any statement for the time being designated under section 131 of the Energy Act 2013 (strategy and policy statement in respect of energy policy).

(4) The Secretary of State must publish the CCUS strategy and policy statement (including any amended statement following a review under section 101) in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(5) For the purposes of this section, carbon dioxide capture, usage and storage policy “for the United Kingdom” includes such policy for—

(a) the territorial sea adjacent to the United Kingdom, or

(b) waters in a Gas Importation and Storage Zone (within the meaning given by section 1 of the Energy Act 2008).

(6) In this Chapter—

“the CCUS strategy and policy statement” means the statement for the time being designated under subsection (1) as the strategy and policy statement for the purposes of this Part;

“economic regulator” has the same meaning as in Part 1 (see section 55);

“policy outcomes” has the meaning given in subsection (2)(b);

“strategic priorities” has the meaning given in subsection (2)(a).

Duties with regard to considerations in the statement

100

(1) The economic regulator must have regard to the strategic priorities set out in the CCUS strategy and policy statement when carrying out CCUS-related functions under this Part or Part 1.

(2) The Secretary of State and the economic regulator must carry out their respective CCUS-related functions under Part 1 and this Part in the manner which the Secretary of State or the economic regulator (as the case may be) considers is best calculated to further the delivery of the policy outcomes.

(3) Subsection (2) is subject to the application of the principal objectives in the carrying out of any such function.

(4) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to anything done by the economic regulator—

(a) in the exercise of functions relating to the determination of disputes;

(b) in the exercise of functions under section 36 (1) or 37 (1).

(5) The duties imposed by subsections (1) and (2) do not affect the obligation of the economic regulator or the Secretary of State to perform or comply with any other duty or requirement (whether arising under this Act or another enactment or otherwise).

(6) The economic regulator must give notice to the Secretary of State if at any time the economic regulator concludes that a policy outcome contained in the strategy and policy statement is not realistically achievable.

(7) A notice under subsection (6) must include—

(a) the grounds on which the conclusion was reached;

(b) what (if anything) the economic regulator is doing, or proposes to do, for the purpose of furthering the delivery of the outcome so far as reasonably practicable.

(8) In this section—

“CCUS-related functions” means functions to which the strategic priorities are relevant (not including functions under sections 69 to 72, 84 (1) or (2) or 89, or other functions so far as carried out in connection with those functions);

“principal objectives” means the principal objectives of the Secretary of State and the economic regulator set out in section 1 (1).

Review

101

(1) The Secretary of State must review the CCUS strategy and policy statement if a period of 5 years has elapsed since the relevant time.

(2) In this section “relevant time”, in relation to the CCUS strategy and policy statement, means—

(a) the time when the statement was first designated under section 99, or

(b) if later, the time when a review of the statement under this section last took place.

(3) A review under subsection (1) must take place as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the 5 year period.

(4) The Secretary of State may review the CCUS strategy and policy statement at any other time if—

(a) a Parliamentary general election has taken place since the relevant time,

(b) the economic regulator has given notice to the Secretary of State under section 100 (6) since the relevant time,

(c) a significant change in the policy of His Majesty’s government with regard to carbon dioxide capture, usage and storage has occurred since the relevant time,

(d) the Secretary of State has commenced a review under section 134 of the Energy Act 2013 since the relevant time,

(e) the Parliamentary approval requirement in relation to an amended statement was not met on the last review (see subsection (13)).

(5) The Secretary of State may determine that a significant change in the government’s policy with regard to carbon dioxide capture, usage and storage has occurred for the purposes of subsection (4)(c) only if—

(a) the change was not anticipated at the relevant time, and

(b) if the change had been so anticipated, it appears to the Secretary of State likely that the statement would have been different in a material way.

(6) On a review under this section the Secretary of State may—

(a) amend the statement (including by replacing the whole or part of the statement with new content),

(b) leave the statement as it is, or

(7) The amendment of a statement under subsection (6)(a) has effect only if the Secretary of State designates under section 99 the amended statement as the strategy and policy statement (and the procedural requirements under section 102 apply in relation to any such designation).

(8) For the purposes of this section, corrections of clerical or typographical errors are not to be treated as amendments made to the statement.

(9) The designation of a statement as the strategy and policy statement ceases to have effect upon a subsequent designation of an amended statement as the strategy and policy statement in accordance with subsection (7).

(10) Before proceeding under subsection (6)(b) or (c) the Secretary of State must give notice to the appropriate consultees—

(a) setting out the Secretary of State’s proposed decision, and

(b) specifying the period (of not less than 28 days from the date on which the notice is given) within which representations must be made,

and the Secretary of State must consider any representations which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(11) For the purposes of subsection (10), the “appropriate consultees” are—

(a) the economic regulator;

(b) so far as the decision as to whether or not to proceed relates to Scottish devolved matters, the Scottish Ministers;

(d) so far as that decision relates to Northern Ireland devolved matters, the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.

(12) For the purposes of subsection (2)(b), a review of a statement takes place—

(a) where the decision on the review is to amend the statement under subsection (6)(a)—

(i) at the time when the amended statement is designated as the CCUS strategy and policy statement under section 99, or

(ii) if the amended statement is not so designated, at the time when the amended statement was laid before Parliament for approval under section 102 (9);

(b) where the decision on the review is to leave the statement as it is under subsection (6)(b), at the time when that decision is taken.

(13) For the purposes of subsection (4)(e), the Parliamentary approval requirement in relation to an amended statement was not met on the last review if—

(a) on the last review of the strategy and policy statement to be held under this section, an amended statement was laid before Parliament for approval under section 102 (9), but

(b) the amended statement was not designated because such approval was not given.

(14) For the purposes of this section—

(a) something relates to Welsh devolved matters so far as it relates to any matter provision about which would be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru if it were contained in an Act of the Senedd (ignoring any requirement for the consent of a Minister of the Crown imposed under Schedule 7B to the Government of Wales Act 2006);

(b) something relates to Scottish devolved matters so far as it relates to any matter provision about which would be within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament if it were contained in an Act of that Parliament;

(i) would be within the legislative competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly if it were contained in an Act of that Assembly, and

(ii) would not, if it were contained in a Bill in the Northern Ireland Assembly, result in the Bill requiring the consent of the Secretary of State under section 8 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Procedural requirements

102

(1) This section sets out the requirements that must be satisfied in relation to a statement before the Secretary of State may designate it as the CCUS strategy and policy statement.

(2) In this section references to a statement include references to a statement as amended following a review under section 101 (6)(a).

(3) The Secretary of State must first—

(a) prepare a draft of the statement, and

(b) issue the draft to the required consultees for the purpose of consulting them about it.

(4) The “required consultees” are—

(a) the economic regulator,

(b) the Scottish Ministers,

(d) the Welsh Ministers.

(5) The Secretary of State must then—

(a) make such revisions to the draft as the Secretary of State considers appropriate as a result of responses to the consultation under subsection (3)(b), and

(b) issue the revised draft for the purposes of further consultation about it to the required consultees and to such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(6) The Secretary of State must then—

(a) make any further revisions to the draft that the Secretary of State considers appropriate as a result of responses to the consultation under subsection (5)(b), and

(b) prepare a report summarising those responses and the changes (if any) that the Secretary of State has made to the draft as a result.

(7) In relation to required consultees within subsection (4)(b) to (d), references in subsections (3)(b) and (5)(b) to consultation about a draft are to consultation about the draft so far as it relates—

(a) in the case of the Scottish Ministers, to Scottish devolved matters;

(b) in the case of the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, to Northern Ireland devolved matters;

(8) References in this section to relating to Scottish devolved matters, Northern Ireland devolved matters or Welsh devolved matters are to be interpreted in accordance with section 101 (14).

(9) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament—

(a) the statement as revised under subsection (6)(a), and

(b) the report prepared under subsection (6)(b).

(10) The statement as laid under subsection (9)(a) must have been approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament before the Secretary of State may designate it as the strategy and policy statement under section 99.

(11) The requirement under subsection (3)(a) to prepare a draft of a statement may be satisfied by preparation carried out before, as well as preparation carried out after, the passing of this Act.

Chapter 4 — Carbon dioxide storage licences

Specified provisions in carbon dioxide storage licences

103

(1) Schedule 6 amends Schedule 1 to the Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2221) (“the 2010 Regulations”).

(2) Subsections (3) to (5) apply in relation to a licence granted (or having effect as if granted) by the Oil and Gas Authority under section 18(1) of the Energy Act 2008 which is in force immediately before the commencement of Schedule 6.

(3) The licence has effect with the addition of provision having the same legal effect as paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the 2010 Regulations (as inserted by Schedule 6 to this Act).

(4) If the licence confers power on the Oil and Gas Authority to revoke a licence in connection with a change in control of a licence holder which is a company, the licence has effect—

(a) with the omission of such provision, and

(b) with the replacement of such provision by provision having the same legal effect as paragraph 7 of Schedule 1 to the 2010 Regulations (as inserted by Schedule 6 to this Act).

(5) If the licence confers power on the Oil and Gas Authority to partially revoke a licence in connection with a change in control of a licence holder which is a company, the licence has effect—

(a) with the omission of such provision, and

(b) with the replacement of such provision by provision having the same legal effect as paragraph 8 of Schedule 1 to the 2010 Regulations (as inserted by Schedule 6 to this Act).

(6) A reference in any document to provisions of a licence which are to have effect with amendments as provided for by Schedule 6 is to be construed, unless the nature of the document or the context otherwise requires, as a reference to those provisions as amended.

(7) A provision inserted in a licence by virtue of Schedule 6 may be altered or deleted by deed executed by the Secretary of State and the licence holder or, as respects Scotland, by an instrument subscribed or authenticated by the Secretary of State and the licence holder in accordance with the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995.

Content of storage permits under carbon dioxide storage licences

104

(1) In the Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2221) (“the 2010 Regulations”), regulation 8 (content of storage permits) is amended as follows—

(a) after paragraph (1) insert—

(1A) If the operator is a company, a storage permit must also include the provisions contained in paragraph 6(2) to (11) of Schedule 1, read as if— (a) any reference to a company were to the operator, (b) the reference in paragraph 6(8)(b) to the licence were to the storage permit, and (c) paragraph 6(10)(c) were omitted.

;

(b) in paragraph (2), for “In this” substitute “In paragraph (1) of this”.

(2) Subsection (4) applies in relation to a storage permit granted under an existing licence.

(3) “Existing licence” means a licence granted (or having effect as if granted) by the Oil and Gas Authority under section 18(1) of the Energy Act 2008 which is in force immediately before the commencement of subsection (1).

(4) The storage permit has effect with the addition of provision having the same legal effect as provision required to be included in the permit by reason of paragraph (1A) of regulation 8 of the 2010 Regulations (as inserted by subsection (1)(a)).

Offences relating to carbon dioxide storage licences

105

In section 23 of the Energy Act 2008 (offences relating to carbon dioxide storage licences), after subsection (1) insert—

(1A) But a licence holder does not commit an offence under subsection (1)(a) or (b) if— (a) the licence holder is a company, or, where there are joint licence holders, any of them is a company, and (b) the thing mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) is a change in the control of the company.

Power of OGA to require information about change in control of licence holder

106

After section 29 of the Energy Act 2008 insert—

(29A) (1) This section applies in relation to a licence granted (or having effect as if granted) by the OGA which includes provisions prohibiting a change in control of a licence holder which is a company without the OGA’s consent. (2) The OGA may by notice in writing require a person within subsection (3) to provide the OGA with any information that it requires for the purpose of exercising its functions in relation to a change or potential change in control of a licence holder which is a company. (3) The persons within this subsection are— (a) the company; (b) the person who (if consent were granted) would take control of the company; (c) if the company is a joint licence holder with another person or other persons, that other person or those other persons; (d) any person not within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) who appears to the OGA to have information that it requires as mentioned in subsection (2). (4) The power conferred by this section does not include power to require the provision of any information that would be protected from disclosure or production in legal proceedings on grounds of legal professional privilege or, in Scotland, confidentiality of communications. (5) Nothing in this section limits any power of the OGA to require information under— (a) regulations under this Chapter, (b) the terms of a licence, or (c) the terms of a permit granted under a licence.

Chapter 5 — Carbon storage information and samples

Introductory

Chapter 5: key definitions

107

(1) This section applies for the purposes of this Chapter.

(2) “Carbon storage licence” means a licence granted, or having effect as if granted, by the OGA under section 18(1) of the Energy Act 2008 (and references to a “licensee” are to a person who holds such a licence).

(3) “Exploration operator”, in relation to a carbon storage licence, means a person who is responsible for organising or supervising—

(a) the carrying on of exploration, within the area within which activities are authorised under the licence, with a view to, or in connection with, the carrying on of activities within section 17(2)(a) or (b) of the Energy Act 2008, or

(b) the establishment or maintenance in a controlled place (as defined in section 17 of the Energy Act 2008) of an installation for the purposes of such exploration.

(4) “Carbon storage information” means information acquired or created by or on behalf of a licensee in the course of carrying out activities under the licensee’s carbon storage licence.

(5) “Carbon storage samples” means samples of substances acquired by or on behalf of a licensee in the course of carrying out activities under the licensee’s carbon storage licence.

(6) “Sanctionable requirement” means a requirement imposed on a person by or under a provision of this Chapter which, by virtue of the provision, is sanctionable in accordance with this Chapter.

Requirements relating to information and samples

Retention of information and samples

108

(1) Regulations made by the Secretary of State may require—

(a) specified licensees to retain specified carbon storage information;

(b) specified licensees to retain specified carbon storage samples.

(2) “Specified” means specified, or of a description specified, in regulations under this section.

(3) Regulations under this section may include provision about—

(a) the form or manner in which information or samples are to be retained;

(b) the period for which information or samples are to be retained;

(4) Regulations under this section may provide for requirements imposed by the regulations to continue following a termination of rights under the licensee’s carbon storage licence (whether by transfer, surrender, expiry or revocation and whether in relation to all or only part of the licence).

(5) Regulations under this section may not impose requirements which have effect in relation to particular carbon storage information or particular carbon storage samples at any time when an information and samples plan dealing with the information or samples has effect.

(6) Requirements imposed by regulations under this section are sanctionable in accordance with this Chapter.

(7) Before making regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult each licensing authority that may under section 18(1) of the Energy Act 2008 grant a licence in respect of the carrying on, in a place to which the regulations would apply, of activities within section 17(2) of that Act.

(8) Regulations under this section are subject to the negative procedure.

Preparation and agreement of information and samples plans

109

(1) The responsible person must prepare an information and samples plan in connection with any of the following (each “a licence event”)—

(a) where a licensee is a company, a change in control of the company within the meaning of paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2221) (inserted by Schedule 6 to this Act);

(b) a change in the identity of—

(i) the exploration operator under a carbon storage licence, or

(ii) where a storage permit has been granted under a carbon storage licence, the operator in relation to the storage permit (within the meaning of regulation 1(3) of the Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations 2010);

(c) a transfer of rights under a carbon storage licence, whether in relation to all or part of the area in respect of which the licence was granted;

(d) a surrender of rights under a carbon storage licence in relation to all of the area in respect of which the licence was granted, or in relation to so much of that area in respect of which the licence continues to have effect;

(e) the expiry of a carbon storage licence;

(f) the termination of a carbon storage licence;

(g) the revocation of a storage permit.

(2) “Responsible person”, in relation to a licence event, means the person who is or was, or the persons who are or were, the licensee in respect of the relevant licence immediately before the licence event.

(3) “Relevant licence”, in relation to a licence event, means the carbon storage licence in respect of which the licence event occurs.

(4) “Information and samples plan”, in relation to a licence event, means a plan dealing with what is to happen, following the event, to—

(a) carbon storage information held by the responsible person before the event, and

(b) carbon storage samples held by that person before the event.

(5) The responsible person must agree the information and samples plan with the OGA—

(a) in the case of a licence event mentioned in subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (d) or (e), before the licence event takes place, or

(b) in the case of a licence event mentioned in subsection (1)(f) or (g), within a reasonable period after the termination of the carbon storage licence or revocation of the storage permit.

(6) An information and samples plan has effect once it is agreed with the OGA.

(7) If an information and samples plan is not agreed with the OGA as mentioned in subsection (5)(a) or (b), the OGA—

(a) may itself prepare an information and samples plan in connection with the licence event, and

(b) may require the responsible person to provide it with such information as the OGA may require to enable it to do so.

(8) The OGA must inform the responsible person of the terms of any information and samples plan it prepares in connection with a licence event.

(9) Where the OGA—

(a) prepares an information and samples plan in connection with a licence event, and

(b) informs the responsible person of the terms of the plan,

the plan has effect as if it had been prepared by the responsible person and agreed with the OGA.

(10) Where an information and samples plan has effect in connection with a licence event, the responsible person must comply with the plan.

(11) The requirements imposed by subsection (5) and (10), or under subsection (7)(b), are sanctionable in accordance with this Chapter.

Information and samples plans: supplementary

110

(1) Where an information and samples plan has effect in relation to a licence event, the OGA and the responsible person may agree changes to the plan.

(2) Once changes are agreed, the plan has effect subject to those changes.

(3) Where—

(a) two or more persons are the responsible person in relation to a licence event, and

(b) those persons include a company that has, since the licence event, been dissolved,

the reference to the responsible person in subsection (1) does not include that company.

(4) An information and samples plan, in relation to a licence event, may provide as appropriate for—

(a) the retention, by the responsible person, of any carbon storage information or carbon storage samples held by or on behalf of that person before the licence event,

(b) the transfer of any such information or samples to a new licensee, or

(5) Where an information and samples plan makes provision under subsection (4) for a person, other than the responsible person, to hold information or samples in accordance with the plan—

(a) the plan may, with the consent of that other person, impose requirements on that person in connection with the information and samples, and

(b) any such requirements are sanctionable in accordance with this Chapter.

(6) An information and samples plan prepared by the OGA under section 109 may not include provision under subsection (4)(b) for the transfer of information or samples to another person without the consent of the responsible person.

(7) An information and samples plan may provide for the storage of information or samples as mentioned in subsection (4)(c) to be the responsibility of the OGA.

(8) Where a transfer of rights under a carbon storage licence relates to only part of the area in relation to which the licence was granted, the information and samples plan prepared in connection with the transfer is to relate to all carbon storage information and carbon storage samples held by the responsible person before the licence event, and not only information and samples in respect of that part of the area.

(9) In this section, “licence event” and “responsible person” have the same meaning as in section 109.

Information and samples coordinators

111

(1) A person within subsection (2) (a “relevant person”) must—

(a) appoint an individual to act as an information and samples coordinator, and

(b) notify the OGA of that individual’s name and contact details.

(2) The following persons are within this subsection—

(a) a licensee, and

(b) an exploration operator under a carbon storage licence.

(3) The information and samples coordinator is to be responsible for monitoring the relevant person’s compliance with its obligations under this Chapter.

(4) A relevant person must comply with subsection (1) within a reasonable period after—

(a) the date on which this section comes into force, if the person is a relevant person on that date, or

(b) becoming a relevant person, in any other case.

(5) The relevant person must notify the OGA of any change in the identity or contact details of the information and samples coordinator within a reasonable period of the change taking place.

(6) The requirements imposed by this section are sanctionable in accordance with this Chapter.

Power of OGA to require information and samples

112

(1) The OGA may by notice in writing, for the purpose of carrying out any of its functions under Chapter 3 of Part 1 of the Energy Act 2008 (storage of carbon dioxide), require—

(a) a licensee to provide it with any carbon storage information, or a portion of any carbon storage sample, held by or on behalf of the licensee;

(b) a person who holds information or samples in accordance with an information and samples plan to provide it with any such information or a portion of any such sample.

(2) The notice must specify—

(a) the form or manner in which the information or the portion of a sample must be provided;

(b) the time at which, or period within which, the information or the portion of a sample must be provided.

(3) Information requested under subsection (1) may not include items subject to legal privilege.

(4) Requirements imposed by a notice under this section are sanctionable in accordance with this Chapter.

(5) Where a person provides information or a portion of a sample to the OGA in accordance with a notice under this section, any requirements imposed on the person in respect of that information or sample by regulations under section 108 are unaffected.

Prohibition on disclosure of information or samples by OGA

113

(1) Protected material must not be disclosed—

(a) by the OGA, or

(b) by a subsequent holder,

except in accordance with section 114 or Schedule 7.

(2) In this section and in Schedule 7—

“protected material” means information or samples which have been obtained by the OGA under section 112 or 124;

“subsequent holder”, in relation to protected material, means a person holding protected material who has received it directly or indirectly from the OGA by virtue of a disclosure, or disclosures, in accordance with Schedule 7.

(3) References to disclosing protected material include references to making the protected material available to other persons (where the protected material includes samples).

Power of Secretary of State to require information and samples

114

(1) The Secretary of State may require the OGA to provide the Secretary of State with such information or samples held by or on behalf of the OGA as the Secretary of State may require for the purpose of—

(a) carrying out any function conferred by or under any Act,

(b) monitoring the OGA's performance of its functions, or

(2) The Secretary of State may use information or samples acquired under subsection (1) (“acquired material”) only for the purpose for which it is provided.

(3) Acquired material must not be disclosed—

(a) by the Secretary of State, or

(b) by a subsequent holder,

except in accordance with this section.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)(b), “subsequent holder”, in relation to acquired material, means a person who receives acquired material directly or indirectly from the Secretary of State by virtue of a disclosure, or disclosures, in accordance with this section.

(5) Subsection (3) does not prohibit the Secretary of State from disclosing acquired material so far as necessary for the purpose for which it was provided.

(6) Subsection (3) does not prohibit a disclosure of acquired material if—

(a) the disclosure is required by virtue of an obligation imposed by or under any Act, or

(b) the OGA consents to the disclosure and, where the acquired material in question was provided to the OGA by or on behalf of another person, confirms that that person also consents to the disclosure.

(7) References in this section to disclosing acquired material include references to making the acquired material available to other persons (where the acquired material includes samples).

Enforcement of sanctionable requirements

Power of OGA to give sanction notices

115

(1) If the OGA considers that a person has failed to comply with a sanctionable requirement imposed on the person, it may give the person a sanction notice in respect of that failure.

(2) If the OGA considers that there has a been a failure to comply with a sanctionable requirement imposed jointly on two or more persons, it may give a sanction notice in respect of that failure—

(a) to one only of those persons (subject to section 118 (2)),

(b) jointly to two or more of them, or

but it may not give separate sanction notices to each of them in respect of the failure.

(3) In this Chapter “sanction notice” means—

(a) an enforcement notice (see section 116),

Reading this document does not replace reading the official text published on legislation.gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies arising from the conversion of the original CLML XML to this format.

This text is published under legislation.gov.uk's own terms of reuse, not a Legalize or public-domain licence. legislation.gov.uk
Open Government Licence v3.0 (attribution required)
© Crown and database right. Derived from content available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 from legislation.gov.uk.