UK's Carbon Storage Regulations 2025

The UK government has introduced new regulations to ensure the proper handling of carbon storage data and samples. The Oil and Gas Authority (Carbon Storage) (Retention of Information and Samples) Regulations 2025 came into force on 13th May 2025, setting out responsibilities for licensees who manage carbon storage sites.

These rules require companies involved in carbon storage to securely retain important data and physical samples related to storage activities. This aims to ensure transparency, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The regulations apply across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and affect licensees who handle carbon storage projects. If a company was already managing carbon storage data or samples before the law was enacted, they must continue to retain and manage them according to the new guidelines.

Specifically, the Regulations require licensees to retain the following key data:

- Survey records (details of site conditions)

- Well information (technical details on drilled wells)

- Injection and production data (how CO2 is stored underground)

- Monitoring results (environmental impact studies)

- Installation details (equipment used for carbon storage)

Licensees must also store drill cuttings, fluid samples, and solid samples from carbon storage sites. These samples help scientists analyse storage effectiveness. If a licensee intends to dispose of samples, they must inform the OGA at least six months in advance.

They can stop storing this information only if they provide it to the Oil and Gas Authority and the information is  officially recorded in the national carbon storage database.

What Happens When a License Ends?

Even after a license is terminated, the company responsible must continue following the retention rules until a formal agreement period ends. During this time:

- Responsibilities for data and sample retention shift from the licensee to the responsible person.

- Required information includes surveys, injection rates, well data, and site details.

- The data must be managed under an official information and samples plan until regulatory requirements are fulfilled.

Why Are These Regulations Important?

The rules ensure long-term transparency, environmental safety, and regulatory oversight for carbon storage projects. By maintaining proper records, the UK can better assess risks, improve CO2 management, and strengthen its climate change strategy.

The rule is a crucial piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the UK's carbon storage framework. Introduced under the Energy Act 2023, these regulations ensure that important data and samples related to carbon storage are properly retained, to support the country's ambitious Net Zero Strategy.

Therefore, this rule marks a significant milestone in the UK’s commitment to a sustainable future. By securing the integrity and availability of carbon storage data, the UK is not only safeguarding its environmental objectives but also reinforcing its leadership in the global CCS landscape. This legislation underscores the country’s proactive stance in tackling climate change, paving the way for a greener, more resilient energy system.

With appreciation to Amineh Farasatmand for her contribution in preparing this blog.