The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) published a revised guidance on 8 January to assist users with information about applying for consents for every stage in the life of a well from first drilling to abandonment.
For the first time, the UKCS Well Applications and Consents Guidance now includes a section setting out the process to apply for consent to drill a carbon-storage well, in recognition of the growing importance of the industry.
The revised guidance also makes clear that no consent will be given unless the appropriate appointment has been confirmed by the Well and Installation Operator Service (WIOS), a new digital system of record used to ensure that well and installation operators and their staff are suitably qualified. The WIOS records the appointments of well and installation operators appointed in accordance with regulations.