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The Consents and Authorisations team is part of the Regulation directorate and prepare, authorise, and issue formal consents and authorisations to enable oil and gas fields to be developed and hydrocarbons produced. 

Public notices

Under the Model Clauses in the licence, licensees are required to obtain authorisation from the NSTA to install facilities or to produce hydrocarbons.

The licensing regime is designed to maximise the economic recovery of UK offshore oil and gas. 

Read about our licensing system including criteria, safety directives, operatorship, security and more.

We believe we can ensure economic recovery, whilst supporting the drive to net zero carbon by 2050, by having a diverse mix of companies involved in the UKCS – from super majors to mid-cap businesses to small, niche players.

We run a competitive licensing system and applications may only be made in accordance with approved procedures.

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

Offshore and Onshore production licence relinquishments - surrenders - and determinations - are processed through the UK Energy Portal using the PEARS User Guidance. 

How to relinquish a petroleum licence or surrender acreage; notice periods.