An emissions reality check for the UK North Sea

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has consulted industry on further reducing UK upstream emissions. Operators must reduce emissions 50% on 2018 levels by 2030. The NSTA believes this target will be missed unless more is done. Its key proposals are: • Full electrification of fields onstream after 1 January 2030 (host platforms must be electrified in the case of tie-backs) • Fields onstream before 2030 to be “electrification ready” • New developments shall have zero routine flaring and venting • Zero routine flaring and venting for all developments by 2030 • Declaration of cessation of production (COP) dates for fields with emissions intensity 50% above the basin average We consider the possible impact of the proposals and ask: in a mature North Sea with many fields nearing depletion, is offshore electrification really the most effective and efficient way to decarbonise?