Decommissioning

Decommissioning

This is an overview of the key content to be found in our Decommissioning subtopic. It briefly explains the nature of this content and provides links to it.

For more general information on oil and gas licensing and regulation, see subtopic: Oil and gas licensing and regulation—overview.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) was established on 7 February 2023 and has taken over the energy portfolio (including in respect of oil and gas commissioning) of the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), which no longer exists.

Decommissioning—introductory Practice Notes

Practice Note: ‘Conventional’ Oil and Gas—An Introduction provides an introduction to the key elements of the ‘conventional’ oil and gas sector, including licensing and regulation, the upstream, midstream and downstream elements of the sector, corporate transactions, health and safety, decommissioning and LNG, and provides links to related, more in-depth content on such topics.

Practice Note: The Energy White Paper—an overview [Archived] considers some of the key measures announced in the Energy White Paper published by the former BEIS on 14 December 2020 and their expected impact on the energy sector. It also provides

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Latest Energy News

DESNZ launches nuclear regulatory framework review consultation

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence have launched a call for evidence to support the newly established Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce's review of UK nuclear regulation. The consultation, closing on 19 May 2025, seeks input on civil and defence nuclear frameworks, including: health and safety, environmental regulation and, planning and energy transmission regulations. The Taskforce will examine existing regulatory frameworks, legislation, regulatory bodies' scope and capacity, and support for innovation in the nuclear sector. Recommendations are expected by Autumn 2025. The consultation targets input from regulators, operators, academia, developers, investors and civil society stakeholders.

DESNZ publishes response to Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme consultation

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its response to the Smart Secure Electricity Systems Programme consultation, confirming its plans to implement three key policy areas. The three key policy areas include: introduction of secondary legislation for Energy Smart Appliances (ESAs) by the government within a year, establishing a new load control licence framework, and enforcement of energy suppliers' compliance with Time-of-use Tariff Interoperability specifications by mid to late 2026. The response follows consultation feedback from 97 stakeholders including manufacturers, energy suppliers, network operators, technology companies and consumer groups. The government has confirmed Elexon will deliver enduring governance functions through modifications to the Balancing and Settlement Code.

DESNZ announces amendment to GB Energy Bill

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has introduced an amendment to the Great British Energy (GB Energy) Bill enabling the company to prevent forced labour in its business operations and supply chains. The amendment to clause 3 adds measures against slavery and human trafficking to GB Energy's core activities, alongside its existing clean energy and emissions reduction objectives. The legislation builds upon the Procurement Act 2023, which allows public bodies to reject bids from suppliers using forced labour. GB Energy will appoint a senior leader focused on ethical supply chains and modern slavery, while working with the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) to ensure supply chain compliance.

Ofgem releases draft consultation document on revised gas and electricity licence application guidance

Ofgem has released a draft consultation document that updates its guidance for gas and electricity licence applications. The revised guidance features a re-ordered structure with additional sections designed to improve clarity and assist applicants in understanding the process more effectively. Open for public comment until 21 May 2025, the consultation invites feedback on the document's readability and overall usability. Feedback may be submitted to: licensing@ofgem.gov.uk . Once finalised, the enhanced guidance will apply to both new and existing licence applications while maintaining its established methodological framework.