Emissions

Reinstated wells produced 16 million boe in 2025

Leading North Sea operators back NSTA well decommissioning charter

Statement on recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea

Purpose of Act

The Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes federal regulatory authority over pipelines, power lines, offshore renewable energy facilities, and oil and gas exploration and exploitation. It mandates safe, secure, and efficient construction, operation, and abandonment while protecting people, property, and the environment, regulates energy product trade, and ensures fair, transparent, and efficient regulatory decision-making processes.

Pipeline studies will help carbon storage industry

Statutory Instruments Act

Section 92 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act exempts orders and directions issued by the Commission, designated officers, or inspection officers from statutory instrument classification when they apply to a single person or entity, a single regulated facility, or are issued immediately for safety, security, environmental protection, or property protection purposes.

Exemption orders

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue conditional exemption orders relieving regulated facility holders from specific regulatory provisions when necessary to ensure safety and security of persons and facilities, protect property, or safeguard the environment.

Designation of inspection officers

The Canadian Energy Regulator's CEO may designate inspection officers to enforce safety, security, environmental, and property protection regulations at regulated and abandoned energy facilities. All designated officers must be provided with a certificate of authority and must produce it upon request.

Carbon Storage Operational Guidance

American maritime expert and diplomat to receive International Maritime Prize

Report

The Canadian Energy Regulator must prepare a report within 450 days on pipeline certificate applications, recommending approval or denial based on public convenience and necessity. The evaluation must consider environmental and cumulative effects, safety, Indigenous interests and rights, market feasibility, economic viability, financial capacity, and alignment with Canada's climate commitments.

Recommendation and delay of issuance

The Canadian Energy Regulator may recommend to the Minister that an international power line be designated by Governor in Council order and may delay permit issuance during this process. The Regulator must avoid duplicating provincial measures and must consider interprovincial effects, environmental impacts, and regulatory factors when deciding whether to recommend designation.

Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response, Version 2

Study and report

The Canadian Energy Regulator may issue orders requiring holders of offshore renewable energy projects or offshore power lines to conduct and report on studies addressing safety or environmental protection issues within a specified timeframe.

UKCS Decommissioning Benchmarking Report

UKCS Decommissioning Cost and Performance Update 2026

Confidentiality

Section 61 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Commission and designated officers to issue confidentiality orders protecting sensitive information from public disclosure when disclosure poses a real and substantial risk to pipeline, power line, or offshore renewable energy infrastructure security, protective systems, or public safety.

Orders

The Canadian Energy Regulator may issue orders requiring facility holders to repair, reconstruct, or alter regulated facilities to ensure safety, security, and environmental protection. Orders can be directed at Indigenous bodies, governments, third parties, and others. Non-compliance authorizes the Regulator to take direct action or engage third parties, with liability protection for good-faith interventions.

Grounds for making order

Section 109 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes inspection officers to issue orders directing persons to cease contraventions, implement compliance measures, or prevent hazards to safety, security, property, or the environment. Orders may suspend facility operations until remediation is complete, with mandatory written notice and reporting to the Commission.

Studies on transporting carbon dioxide through new or repurposed offshore pipelines - July 2026

UKCS Wells Insights Report 2026

Waste Management, Volume I: Management of Radioactive Waste

Relocation

The Canadian Energy Regulator may order pipeline companies to relocate pipelines when necessary for safety, environmental protection, public infrastructure projects, or to prevent interference with drainage systems. The regulator determines cost allocation among parties, ensures procedural compliance with prior consultation requirements, and may award reasonable costs to regulatory proceeding participants.

Statement on deadly ship attack in the Red Sea

Environmental Principles, Assessments and Protection Measures, Version 1.2

Issuance

Section 262 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act governs certification of international and interprovincial power lines. The Commission may issue certificates if satisfied the power line serves present and future public convenience and necessity, considering environmental effects, safety, Indigenous rights and consultation, health and socioeconomic impacts, and climate commitments. Decisions must be made within 300 days of a complete application, subject to Governor in Council approval within 90 days.

Time to apply for Production and Flaring and Venting Consents

Controlling Releases to the Environment

ESG Disclosure: 2025 observations

Industry boosts efficiency to deliver millions more barrels from existing fields

Regulations — compensation

Section 173 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Governor in Council to establish regulations governing compensation for energy infrastructure incidents. Regulations may prescribe claim deadlines, authorize interim awards and fee/expense coverage, establish damage priority classes, set compensation caps, allow payment postponement or scheduling, and provide interest provisions. Environmental non-use value damages are explicitly excluded from compensable losses.

NSTA support for carbon storage industry

ADNOC and SLB Deploy AI Platform Across Over 120 Drilling Rigs to Strengthen Upstream Performance

Powering exploration with accessible data

ADNOC Announces Update to its Crude Pricing Methodology

IMO condemns attacks on civilian merchant vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea

UKCS Production Efficiency in 2025 Report

Decommissioning

IMO Council reaffirms commitment to protecting vital shipping lanes

ADNOC Accelerates Gas Growth Strategy with $6.2 Billion FID For Umm Shaif Gas Cap

Confidentiality

Section 60 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Commission and designated officers to issue confidentiality orders protecting information in regulatory proceedings. Confidentiality may be granted to prevent material financial loss or competitive prejudice, to protect confidential financial, commercial, scientific or technical information when the discloser's interest outweighs public interest, or when disclosure poses real and substantial risks to safety, well-being, property or the environment.

NSTA looks back on year of achievement and ahead to the challenges to come

Framework for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning in Canada, Version 2

Reasonable care

Facility holders under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act must exercise all reasonable care to ensure the safety and security of persons, regulated and abandoned facilities, property, and the environment.

Regulations

Section 96 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes the Regulator to establish regulations governing the design, construction, operation, and abandonment of interprovincial and international pipelines and designated power lines. Regulations must address surveillance, monitoring, safety, security, and environmental protection, and require operators to maintain management systems that incorporate human and organizational factors.

Orders of court

Court order provision under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act enabling judges to impose remedies on persons convicted of offences involving actual or potential unintended releases of oil, gas, or commodities from pipelines. Available remedies include operational prohibitions, environmental monitoring and audits, restoration, community service, publication of facts, notification requirements, financial penalties, compliance bonds, and educational donations, with orders valid for up to three years.

Impact Assessment Act

Section 185 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act transfers certificate application authority for designated projects under the Impact Assessment Act from the Commission to an independent review panel. The panel exercises powers under sections 182-184, coordinates with energy and environment ministers, and must submit reports within Impact Assessment Act timelines.

Posthumous Bravery Award for diver who gave his life trying to save a child

Sentencing principles

Section 174 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act mandates sentencing principles for pipeline offences involving unintended or uncontrolled releases of oil, gas, or commodities. Courts must increase fines based on aggravating factors including harm to human/environmental safety, intentional or reckless conduct, financial motivation, prior non-compliance, and post-offence concealment or failure to mitigate. Courts must provide written reasons if declining to apply identified aggravating factors.

Laws of a province

Section 252 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes provincial regulatory authority over intra-provincial electricity transmission lines, granting provinces jurisdiction over location/routing, land acquisition and expropriation procedures, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection during construction and operation, and abandonment protocols.

Reporting Requirements for Waste Nuclear Substance Licensees, Class II Nuclear Facilities and Users of Prescribed Equipment, Nuclear Substances and Radiation Devices

IMO Secretary-General condemns new attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz

IMO Secretary-General calls for urgent release of 44 seafarers held by pirates

Regulations

The Governor in Council may establish regulations governing offshore renewable energy projects and power lines, addressing safety, security, and environmental protection. Regulations may prohibit introduction of specified substances or forms of energy, establish record management and disclosure requirements, and provide arbitration procedures for disputes.

Issuance

The Canadian Energy Regulator may issue authorizations for offshore renewable energy projects and associated power lines. Applications must include prescribed information about proposed works, facilities, and equipment. The regulator must decide within 300 days, considering environmental effects, safety, health, social and economic impacts, Indigenous interests and rights, climate change alignment, and relevant impact assessments before imposing conditions.

Maximum validity — liquefied natural gas

Canadian regulation setting a maximum 50-year validity period for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export licenses under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act. LNG is defined as natural gas in liquid state composed of at least 85% methane with other hydrocarbons and minor non-hydrocarbon gases.

Factcheck: 10 flaws in the Conservative report on ‘cheap power’

In a new report, the opposition Conservatives argue that UK electricity prices are too high and that it would be… The post Factcheck: 10 flaws in the Conservative report on ‘cheap power’ appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Q&A: What is ‘long-duration energy storage’ – and why does the UK need it?

The UK is pioneering the use of “super batteries” that can store energy for long periods, smoothing the output from… The post Q&A: What is ‘long-duration energy storage’ – and why does the UK need it? appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Explainer: How the ‘super El Niño’ will reshape the world’s weather

The world is currently experiencing what is expected to become the strongest El Niño on record – dubbed a “super El Niño”… The post Explainer: How the ‘super El Niño’ will reshape the world’s weather appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Analysis: The two largest reservoirs in the US have hit record-low levels

The second-largest reservoir in the US reached a record-low water height on Saturday – just days after the country’s largest… The post Analysis: The two largest reservoirs in the US have hit record-low levels appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Oil and gas: offshore environmental legislation

Environmental regulations and guidance on offshore oil and gas exploration and production offshore gas unloading and storage and offshore carbon dioxide storage activities

Why land-use emissions have fallen by a third this century – in six charts

Emissions from land-use change – including deforestation, loss of peatland and forest degradation – have been falling over the course… The post Why land-use emissions have fallen by a third this century – in six charts appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Q&A: What does China’s 15th five-year plan for coal mean for climate action?

China has published a new five-year plan for coal, the latest in a slew of important policy documents for the… The post Q&A: What does China’s 15th five-year plan for coal mean for climate action? appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Government energy and carbon storage expert recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

NSTA heavyweights join impressive line-up of speakers at 25th All-Energy Conference

The North Sea Transition Authority will participate in the 25th All-Energy Conference in Glasgow on 13-14 May 2025. Chair Liz Ditchburn will discuss energy transition timelines, spatial planning and investment barriers in a plenary panel. Director Pauline Innes will moderate a panel on modernising supply chains for carbon capture, wind, oil and gas projects. The NSTA will host a Meet the Developers networking session for supply chain companies.

IMO announces regional team to deepen on-the-ground impact

Rough consent granted

The UK North Sea Transition Authority granted production and storage consent to Centrica Offshore UK Ltd for the Rough gas storage facility in the Southern North Sea until 30 April 2027, enabling continued operations to support UK energy security.

Analysis: Weaker EV targets could cost UK consumers £3bn a year by 2030

An upcoming UK government consultation on weakening targets for electric vehicles (EVs) could cost consumers as much as £3bn a… The post Analysis: Weaker EV targets could cost UK consumers £3bn a year by 2030 appeared first on Carbon Brief .

NSTA welcomes three new non-executive directors

The UK North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) announces the appointment of three new non-executive directors—Ian Chisholm, Mitch Flegg, and Rebecca Wiles—bringing senior experience in oil, gas, and offshore energy sectors to strengthen board governance.

NSTA hiring a new CFO and Director of Corporate Functions

The UK North Sea Transition Authority is recruiting a Chief Financial Officer and Director of Corporate Functions to lead financial strategy and corporate operations as the government expands NSTA's regulatory oversight of oil, gas, carbon storage, and hydrogen sectors.

Taking part in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme markets

This guidance explains the operation of the UK ETS markets and how to take part in auctions and in trading on the secondary market.

Q&A: What is in China’s new five-year plan for climate change?

China has released a five-year plan dedicated to addressing climate change.  The 15th five-year plan for a national response to… The post Q&A: What is in China’s new five-year plan for climate change? appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Carbon storage developers apply for more than 2 million acres of North Sea

The UK's National Storage Transportation Authority closed its second carbon storage licensing round on 24 March 2025, receiving applications for over 2 million acres of North Sea seabed. Track 1 projects Endurance and HyNet are progressing toward first injection in 2028 and are expected to create 4,000 direct jobs with potential for 50,000 long-term positions. The NSTA will evaluate applications in coordination with stakeholders and marine users before awarding licences.

EnQuest Heather fined for collective decommissioning failures

UK North Sea Transition Authority fined EnQuest Heather Limited £16.5 million for failing to decommission 33 inactive wells across four fields since 2020–2021. The operator deliberately delayed plugging and abandonment obligations through repeated missed deadline extensions, increasing taxpayer costs via tax-deductible decommissioning expenses and risking marine environmental harm.

Factcheck: How nuclear, gas, wind and solar power are affected during heatwaves

Heatwaves are becoming more likely and more intense due to climate change, impacting sources of power generation around the world… The post Factcheck: How nuclear, gas, wind and solar power are affected during heatwaves appeared first on Carbon Brief .

ADNOC Signs 15-Year Sales and Purchase Agreement with INPEX for Ruwais LNG Project

Q&A: Does the world need ‘carbon capture and storage’ to reach net-zero?

When carbon dioxide (CO2) is released from a factory or power plant, the gas can be captured and permanently stored… The post Q&A: Does the world need ‘carbon capture and storage’ to reach net-zero? appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2026

These conversion factors enable users to calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions from their UK activities in 2026.

ADNOC, XRG and Mitsui to Advance New Opportunities Across the Energy Value Chain

Compliance with Floodplain and Wetland Environmental Review Requirements

10 CFR Part 1022 establishes DOE procedures for complying with Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 on floodplain management and wetland protection. It requires DOE to evaluate proposed actions in floodplains or wetlands, incorporate flood risk reduction and wetland preservation into planning and decision-making, ensure structures meet FEMA flood insurance standards, and provide public notice and opportunity for review of projects affecting these sensitive areas.

Environmental Protection Regulations for Domestic Licensing and Related Regulatory Functions

10 CFR Part 51 establishes environmental protection regulations for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's domestic licensing and regulatory functions. The regulations implement Section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and apply to NRC licensing proceedings for production, utilization, and materials facilities, excluding export licensing and foreign environmental effects. Key definitions include construction activities, previously disturbed areas, and NRC organizational roles.

National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures

The Department of Energy establishes implementing procedures for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), defining key terms related to hazardous substances, contaminants, and pollutants under CERCLA. The regulation authorizes categorical exclusions for departmental actions that do not normally have significant environmental effects, requiring documented determinations to be posted publicly within two weeks unless classified or confidential business information requires protection.

Correcting climate ‘misperceptions’ may not boost climate action

The general public often underestimate support for climate action, while overestimating the real-world actions taken by other people to address… The post Correcting climate ‘misperceptions’ may not boost climate action appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Factcheck: No, Europe is not having its ‘quietest’ year for wildfires

In recent days, prominent climate sceptics and rightwing commentators have shared charts on social media incorrectly implying that Europe is… The post Factcheck: No, Europe is not having its ‘quietest’ year for wildfires appeared first on Carbon Brief .

NSTA grants consent for carbon storage appraisal well

The UK's North Sea Transition Authority granted consent to NZNSS Ltd to drill a carbon storage appraisal well (CS006) off Teesside for the Endurance project, beginning 7 March 2025 for approximately 90 days. The project supports the UK's net-zero target of storing 100 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2050, with government backing of up to £21.7 billion and potential creation of 50,000 long-term jobs.

NSTA Overview 2026

The UK North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) published its 2026 overview outlining the regulatory framework for offshore energy production in UK waters, addressing energy security, emissions reduction, and acceleration of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

World falling short on 22 of 23 nature targets for 2030, says draft UN report

The global goal to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 “will not be achieved” unless action by countries “accelerates… The post World falling short on 22 of 23 nature targets for 2030, says draft UN report appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Climate change is driving a ‘shift’ in childhood malaria risk across Africa

Rising temperatures are redistributing the risk of childhood malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in areas of “new risk” in the… The post Climate change is driving a ‘shift’ in childhood malaria risk across Africa appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Q&A: What does China’s 15th ‘five-year plan’ for renewables mean for climate change?

China has released its “15th five-year plan for the development of renewable energy”, outlining key targets and policies for the… The post Q&A: What does China’s 15th ‘five-year plan’ for renewables mean for climate change? appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Analysis: Wind and solar power overtake fossil fuels in Germany for first time ever

More of Germany’s electricity came from wind and solar power than fossil fuels for the first time ever in 2025.… The post Analysis: Wind and solar power overtake fossil fuels in Germany for first time ever appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Analysis: 84% of nations miss deadline to identify ‘nature-harming’ subsidies by 2025

Most countries failed to meet a 2025 target to identify all of their subsidies that could be “harmful” to biodiversity,… The post Analysis: 84% of nations miss deadline to identify ‘nature-harming’ subsidies by 2025 appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Noise Standards: Aircraft Type and Airworthiness Certification

14 CFR Part 36 establishes noise standards for aircraft type certification and airworthiness certification in the United States. It applies to subsonic transport category large airplanes, jet airplanes, propeller-driven small and commuter airplanes, helicopters, tiltrotors, and Concorde aircraft. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with specified noise limits and stage classifications (Stage 1 and Stage 2) when seeking type certificates, standard airworthiness certificates, or restricted category airworthiness certificates.

Fuel Venting and Exhaust Emission Requirements for Turbine Engine Powered Airplanes

14 CFR Part 34 establishes fuel venting and exhaust emission requirements for turbine engine powered airplanes certified under US airworthiness standards. The regulation defines key terms and classifications for aircraft gas turbine engines (turboprops, turbofans, turbojets) and outlines compliance frameworks, including provisions for derivative engines, exemptions, and emission measurement systems aligned with ICAO Annex 16 standards.

Factcheck: No, Europe’s heatwaves are not being ‘caused’ by declining air pollution

This summer has seen Europe suffer through a series of record-breaking heatwaves. Amid widespread media coverage of the number of… The post Factcheck: No, Europe’s heatwaves are not being ‘caused’ by declining air pollution appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Access to finance ‘strengthens climate resilience’ among sub-Saharan women

Empowering women through greater access to finance could “strengthen” households’ resilience to “climate shocks”, according to a new study.   Published… The post Access to finance ‘strengthens climate resilience’ among sub-Saharan women appeared first on Carbon Brief .

State of the climate: Rapidly developing El Niño raises chance of record-warm 2026

As 2026 passes its halfway point, the world is watching one of the most rapidly intensifying El Niño events in… The post State of the climate: Rapidly developing El Niño raises chance of record-warm 2026 appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Day of the Seafarer 2026: Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.

ADNOC Launches Global LNG Marketing and Trading Platform

Q&A: What the EU’s carbon market review means for climate action

The European Commission has put forward new plans to cut emissions under the EU carbon market more slowly, from 2031… The post Q&A: What the EU’s carbon market review means for climate action appeared first on Carbon Brief .

Q&A: What the EU’s carbon market review means for climate action

The European Commission has put forward new plans to cut emissions under the EU carbon... The post Q&A: What the EU’s carbon market review means for climate action appeared first on Carbon Brief .