A new British Geological Survey (BGS) report suggests that sandstone beneath the central North Sea could provide one of the UK’s largest carbon storage resources, supporting the country’s carbon capture and storage (CCS) plans. CCS captures CO₂ from large industrial sources, such as steelworks and power stations, and injects it into rock formations over 800 m deep.
BGS geologists are studying the subsurface geology, sandstone connectivity, and sealing layers to ensure safe, long-term storage. The central North Sea, which represents about 60% of the UK’s total carbon storage capacity, is relatively under-studied compared with other regions like the southern North Sea and Irish Sea.
BGS aims to better understand and characterise this high-potential storage system to accelerate the UK’s CCS industry and help meet the target of storing 170 million tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2050.
Enrique Cornejo, Energy Policy Director, OEUK, comments:
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“This is exciting news for the UK’s carbon capture and storage ambitions. The British Geological Survey report highlights a promising opportunity to use North Sea sandstone for carbon capture and storage, helping attract investment while reducing industrial emissions and supporting the UK’s long term climate goals.
The UK has significant storage potential that needs to be unlocked to accelerate commercialisation and ensure emitters across the UK and Europe have access to it. Policies need to evolve quickly to provide a clear and predictable route to market for emitters, and we can’t afford to lose time.
Delivering on this potential will require rigorous scientific assessment, agile regulation and responsible development. If progressed effectively, this approach could not only support the UK’s climate commitments but also position the country as a global leader in carbon capture and storage technology. Continued investment, collaboration between industry and government, and clear regulatory frameworks will be essential to turn this potential into reality.”
