The need for each Expectation is explained, alongside a detailed roadmap of how a licensee may meet regulatory requirements and best practice suggestions.
The five areas covered by the Expectations are:
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Risk assessment
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Appraisal and sub-surface characterisation
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Data acquisition and use for appraisal and monitoring?
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Technology development and deployment
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Stakeholder engagement
Alistair Macfarlane, NSTA Head of UK Carbon Transportation and Storage, said, “The carbon storage industry is a vital part of the drive towards the UK meeting net zero by 2050 and today’s announcement follows the the NSTA’s award of four carbon storage permits for the Teesside-based NEP project and Hynet in Liverpool Bay projects respectively."
"These Expectations will help this industry to grow and prosper, providing a boost to the economy and high-skilled jobs, as it supports the energy transition.”
The Expectations are the latest in a series of actions the NSTA has taken to support the carbon storage industry, they have included publishing guidance on making storage permit applications, clarifying the approach taken to licence transfers and changes of control, and producing guidance on measurement and site definition.
The pace of development in the industry has increased rapidly in the past couple of years. The NSTA awarded the UK’s first ever carbon storage permit to the Endurance project in December 2024, and followed that with three more permits awarded to HyNet in April 2025.
The UK’s first-even carbon storage Licensing Round concluded in September 2023 with 21 licences awarded to 14 companies and, while they are being stewarded, a Call for Nominations for more locations to be made available for licensing was opened in May 2025 with suggestions now being assessed.