UK launches first carbon storage licensing round

Government offers 13 areas for offshore storage as interest from potential developers hits unprecedented levels

The UK has launched its first licensing round for offshore carbon storage, inviting bids for the rights to develop projects in 13 areas across the North and Irish seas. The move comes in response to unprecedented interest from companies keen to enter the carbon storage market, says regulator the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), which is administering the process. The areas offered are off the coasts of Aberdeen, Teesside, Liverpool and Lincolnshire and are in the southern North Sea, central North Sea, northern North Sea and eastern Irish Sea. Potential sites are made up of a mixture of saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas fields. Developers have until 13 September to submit applica