The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has changed its name to the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), marking a “natural next step” in its evolving role.
On 21 March, the NSTA assured it will remain focused on security of supply and stewarding the energy transition, though explained that its new name reflects the new context within which it is operating and its growing role in the energy transition. Last year saw the OGA revise its strategy, placing net zero at the heart of its work, as well as the launch of the North Sea Transition Deal itself, setting out a programme of work to reach net zero and the role that the UK’s oil and gas industry has to play.
The NSTA’s work will include leading studies to assess the potential for hydrogen power and carbon storage in hubs such as Bacton and driving offshore energy integration to build closer links between oil and gas, and renewables, and reduce carbon emissions from oil and gas production. Other workstreams will include stewarding ongoing production from oil and gas fields; monitoring industry greenhouse gas emissions in line with the North Sea Transition Deal; and, as the licensing authority for carbon storage, stewarding projects through their development, and supporting the government’s CCS deployment pathway.
Andy Samuel, NSTA Chief Executive, said: “The UK is moving to a net zero, low carbon future and the Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine reinforces the need for pace. Meanwhile oil and gas remain vital for energy security as we transition. The NSTA is ideally placed to support both. Our values remain the same while the organisation is adapting to meet the UK’s changing needs. We will continue our strong focus on value creation for government, the public and industry.”
