Offshore hydrogen regulation consultation

Overview

This consultation proposes and seeks views on plans for secondary legislation to extend offshore oil and gas pipeline construction & use consenting responsibility of the NSTA to also apply to hydrogen pipelines. This consultation also proposes to extend certain 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).

DESNZ regard this as an initial approach to regulatory design, which is subject to further evolution.   

This consultation will be of interest to hydrogen economy stakeholders, including: 

• hydrogen producers 
• hydrogen consumers 
• gas transporters 
• storage operators 
• investors 
• consumer champions 
• trade associations 
• academics 

But any organisations or individuals are welcome to respond. 

Read the consultation document on GOV.UK.

What happens next

We are analysing your feedback.

Visit this page again soon to download the outcome to this public feedback.