Eni UK awarded carbon storage license by NSTA for Hewett gas field

Eni’s UK subsidiary (Eni UK) has secured a Carbon Dioxide Appraisal and Storage Licence (CS License) from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) for the Hewett gas field, which is located just 20 km offshore from Bacton in the Southern North Sea sector. This initiative is set to make a significant contribution to the United Kingdom’s decarbonisation targets.

The Hewett Gas Field: An Ideal Site for Carbon Storage

The Hewett field’s large storage capacity of approximately 300 million tons, its existing infrastructure, and its proximity to the Bacton industrial cluster make it an optimal site for permanent carbon dioxide storage. This location will serve industries in the south-east of England and the Thames estuary area, advancing the production and distribution of blue hydrogen in line with the UK’s decarbonisation strategy.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The Bacton Thames Net Zero initiative, which is connected to the Hewett gas field project, has already attracted 13 industrial partners in sectors such as energy, waste disposal, and manufacturing. This project is expected to positively impact local communities by creating new job opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

Carbon Storage Capacity and Targets

Starting from the end of this decade, the Hewett field’s initial carbon dioxide storage capacity is estimated at around 6 million tons per year. Plans indicate that this figure will gradually increase to over 10 million tons after 2030. This contribution is crucial in helping the UK achieve its ambitious target of storing 20-30 million tons of CO2 per year.

Eni’s Growing Role in UK’s Decarbonisation Efforts

This new license further enhances Eni’s commitment to supporting the UK’s decarbonisation targets. The license complements Eni’s earlier venture in the Liverpool Bay Area in 2020, where it operates as the carbon dioxide transport and storage operator for the HyNet North West Project. Coupled with other initiatives like the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm, Eni is consolidating its leadership role in contributing to the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.