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An Area Plan is a cross licence/ cross Hub collaborative framework to ensure economic recovery of oil and gas, whilst supporting the drive to net zero carbon by 2050, in a particular geographical area of the UKCS, based on the analysis of evidence.

The development phase of the oil and gas life cycle covers the period after an economic discovery has been made and details the processes required to take the discovery up to, but before, the production phase. 

The licence model clauses oblige the licensee to nominate an entity that has responsibility for organising or supervising all or any of the operations of searching or boring for or getting petroleum in pursuance of the licence, namely: 

Offshore production licences can be extended beyond their original expiry date if necessary to allow producing fields to fully exploit the associated reserves. 

The NSTA recognises that Bacton has the potential to establish itself as a low carbon hydrogen hub. This would ensure Bacton remains a key regional energy hub, leveraging existing infrastructure and resource in the region to ensure its low carbon future.

As from 1 October 2016, the Energy Act 2016, and Regulations made under it, transferred certain functions from the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (now the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero) to the Oil and Gas Authority.