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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 NSTA may propose the determination of an area as a “Cluster Area” in accordance with the Supplementary charge: cluster area allowance provisions in Finance Bill 2015.

The Oil Taxation Act 1975 states that all fields are to be “determined” by a boundary drawn around them. A proposed determination of a field must be made before the NSTA can consent to a Field Development Plan (FDP).

Under the model clauses applicable to a seaward production licence, licensees require the NSTA’s consent to erect or carry out permanent works for the purpose of getting or conveying petroleum from a licensed area.

The NSTA estimates that there is potential for up to 3.8 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of remaining gas resources within the Southern North Sea (SNS), inclusive of infill opportunities, undeveloped discoveries and prospects.

The development and operation of fields extending beyond the limits of the UKCS, or fields wholly on one or another Continental Shelf which require the development of new transboundary pipeline infrastructure or wells and control facilities.

The NSTA regulates the licensing of exploration and development of England’s onshore oil and gas resources, and it has strict controls in place to ensure that operators manage the risk of induced seismicity from such operations. 

Operators must apply to the NSTA for relevant consents and approvals to carry out well related activities.

The Field Development Plan (FDP) is the support document for the NSTA’s development and production authorisations and should provide a brief description of the technical information on which the development is based.

Reports and data relating to onshore oil and gas can be accessed below.