The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has approved the drilling of a carbon storage appraisal well in the Southern North Sea, under license CS006, operated by NZNSS Ltd. This approval is shaping up as a potential extension of the Endurance project, one of the pillars of the British strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The well will begin drilling on March 1, with a full data acquisition and analysis program expected to last approximately 90 days, supported by a consent valid for 2 years. This will allow for the technical and geological feasibility of storing carbon dioxide long-term to be assessed.
Relationship with Endurance and HyNet
The project could be integrated into the core Endurance project, located off the coast of Teesside, which was the first to obtain a formal carbon storage permit in December 2024. Endurance is part of the Northern Endurance Partnership, an alliance to capture industrial emissions from northeast England. This is joined by HyNet, in the East Irish Sea, which received three permits in April 2025, thus strengthening the country’s CCS infrastructure.
Public Investment and Long-Term Goals
Government support for this industry has materialized in a commitment of up to £21.7 billion in funding, with the goal of storing up to 100 million tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2050. According to the Climate Change Committee, this is essential for the UK to achieve its climate targets. Furthermore, it is estimated that the development of this industry could generate 50,000 long-term jobs across the entire value chain.
Currently, the NSTA has made 14 additional locations available in the second round of carbon storage licenses, expanding on the 21 already granted in 2023. This expansion demonstrates growing interest in carbon capture and storage solutions as part of the energy transition.
Towards a Decarbonized Economy
Andy Brooks, Director of New Ventures, commented:
The green light for this appraisal well is the latest exciting step for the UK’s growing carbon storage industry, which continues to gain momentum and create opportunities for the offshore supply chain. This is the energy transition in action.
Andy Brooks, Director of New Ventures.
With this advancement, the UK continues to consolidate its European leadership in carbon storage technologies, integrating strategic projects like Endurance and driving a decarbonized economy towards 2050.
Source and photo: North Sea Transition Authority via LinkedIn