2nd Offshore Carbon Dioxide Storage Licensing Round Appropriate Assessment

Following the announcement of the 2nd Offshore Carbon Dioxide Storage Licensing Round by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), an initial screening assessment (including consultation with the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies) of the areas offered was undertaken. The screening identified that 9 of the 14 areas offered would require further assessment (AA), should they be applied for.

The 2nd Offshore Carbon Storage Licensing Round closed for applications on the 24th March 2026. Applications were received covering six of the areas offered, and of these, three areas identified in the screening as requiring further assessment have been subject to AA.