New undersea maps of the North Sea floor identify prime locations for future carbon capture storage

NSTA releases new undersea maps of the North Sea to help developers identify high-potential sites for CO2 storage and accelerate the UK's energy transition.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 2, 2026, 8:43 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Energy Live News

Launch of the Geological Mapping Tool

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) published a series of new maps on Monday highlighting the most viable locations for undersea carbon dioxide storage. This tool ranks various sections of the UK Continental Shelf based on their readiness for appraisal, quality of existing subsurface data, and their alignment with long-term national storage requirements. The initiative represents a shift toward a proactive, evidence-led regulatory approach, providing developers with the clarity needed to commit capital to the most promising offshore regions.

Strategic Importance of Carbon Storage

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of the United Kingdom's decarbonization strategy. In 2024, ministers pledged £21 billion to support the industry, emphasizing its potential to repurpose existing offshore skill sets from the oil and gas sectors. The industry is expected to facilitate significant emission reductions for heavy industry and power generation while simultaneously creating tens of thousands of skilled jobs within the growing green economy.

Technical Regulation and Data Quality

Andy Brooks, the NSTA’s Director of New Ventures, stated that the maps provide essential "at-a-glance" information to help stakeholders identify future development opportunities. As the technical regulator for offshore CO₂ storage, the NSTA intends for this portal to minimize the risks associated with exploration. The ranking system takes into account complex geological factors of the North Sea floor, ensuring that developers focus on areas with the strongest structural fundamentals for long-term containment.