• Production and flaring and venting volumes easier to monitor
• Around 500 applications are made each year
• NSTA continues to advance digital energy transition

Production and flaring and venting consents applications will be easier to make and volumes easier to monitor with the launch of the North Sea Transition Authority’s (NSTA) new all-digital system.

There are currently around 500 consent applications made each year, and each one needs to contain a wealth of information to allow the application to be properly considered and a decision made.

The revised system, which was developed with valuable feedback from industry users, includes for the first time the previously paper-based terminals (facilities), meaning it is now entirely online and more efficient – part of the NSTA Digital Energy Platform.  

The modernised system has a familiar user interface that makes it easier and quicker to input data. Industry users will save time thanks to the inbuilt validation and pre-population facilities, and increased use of drop-down . 

The improved data validation will significantly reduce errors and, in turn, lessen the need for time-consuming back and forth between the applicant and the NSTA. The pace of the process will also be improved as payment can now be made using a credit or debit card on GovPay.

It will also support the drive to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by making it easier to monitor flaring and venting volumes and enforce limits.

In addition, legacy portal application and consent data will be migrated and presented in the new system – meaning that all data will be available in one place for industry.

The consents upgrade, which will be completed in time for the Annual Consents Exercises for Production, Flaring and Venting which will be held in August and September respectively is the latest example of the NSTA’s ongoing digital transition.

The NSTA launched its website redesigned to be more responsive to users’ needs in October last year, the Wells Operations Notifications System, which deals with applications relating to exploration, production, development and decommissioning, was relaunched to provide improved functionality and greater flexibility, in July 2023, and the digitised Pipeline Works Authorisation system went live in 2021.

The NSTA is hosting a ‘show and tell’ session today (5 March) to demonstrate the new system to industry users and start to familiarise its operation in time for it to go live in summer for this year’s Annual Consents Exercise.

Nic Granger, NSTA Director of Corporate, said:
“We are totally committed to supporting UK energy security, helping industry in the drive to reach net zero emissions, and leading the energy transition.

“This new all-digital system, which will save industry time and money and help to monitor flaring and venting volumes, supports those aims.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: NSTA