Energy Act 2008 (c. 32)

Part 1 U.K. Gas Importation and Storage

Chapter 1 U.K. Gas Importation and Storage Zones

1 Exploitation of areas outside the territorial sea for gas importation and storage U.K.

(1) The rights to which this section applies have effect, by virtue of this section, as rights belonging to Her Majesty.

(2) This section applies to the rights under Part V of the Convention that are exercisable by the United Kingdom in areas outside the territorial sea—

(a) with respect to any of the matters mentioned in subsection (3), or

(b) for any other purposes connected with any of those matters.

(3) The matters are—

(a) the exploitation of those areas for the unloading of gas to installations or pipelines;

(b) the exploitation of those areas for the storing of gas (whether or not with a view to its being recovered), or the recovery of gas so stored;

(c) the exploration of those areas with a view to their exploitation as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), references to gas include any substance which consists wholly or mainly of gas.

[F1 (5) The area within which the rights to which this section applies are exercisable (the “Gas Importation and Storage Zone”)—

(a) is any area for the time being designated under section 41(3) of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (exclusive economic zone), but

(b) if Her Majesty by Order in Council declares that the Gas Importation and Storage Zone extends to such other area as may be specified in the Order, is the area resulting from the Order.]

(6) In this section—

• “the Convention” means the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (Cmnd 8941) and any modifications of that Convention agreed after the passing of this Act that have entered into force in relation to the United Kingdom;

• “gas” means any substance which is gaseous at a temperature of 15°C and a pressure of 101.325 kPa (1013.25 mb);

• “installation” includes any floating structure or device maintained on a station by whatever means.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 1(5) substituted (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 31.3.2014 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(1)(c)(d), Sch. 4 para. 5(2); S.I. 2013/3055, art. 2

Commencement Information

I1 S. 1 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(i)

Chapter 2 U.K. Importation and storage of combustible gas

Activities requiring a licence U.K.

2 Prohibition on unlicensed activities U.K.

(1) No person may carry on an activity within subsection (3) except in accordance with a licence.

(2) But subsection (1) is subject to [F2 sections 3 and 3A].

(3) The activities are—

(a) the use of a controlled place for the unloading of gas to an installation or pipeline;

(b) the use of a controlled place for the storage of gas;

(c) the conversion of any natural feature in a controlled place for the purpose of storing gas;

(d) the recovery of gas stored in a controlled place;

(e) the exploration of a controlled place with a view to, or in connection with, the carrying on of activities within paragraphs (a) to (d);

(f) the establishment or maintenance in a controlled place of an installation for the purposes of activities within this subsection.

(4) In this section—

• “controlled place” means a place in, under or over—

  (a)

  the territorial sea, or

  (b)

  waters in a Gas Importation and Storage Zone (within the meaning of section 1(5));

• “gas” means any combustible substance which is gaseous at a temperature of 15°C and a pressure of 101.325 kPa (1013.25 mb) and which consists wholly or mainly of—

  (a)

  methane,

  (b)

  ethane,

  (c)

  propane,

  (d)

  butane,

  (e)

  a substance designated for the purposes of this section by an order made by the Secretary of State, or

  (f)

  a mixture of two or more of the substances mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e).

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 2(2) substituted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 14(2), 115(7); S.I. 2015/994, art. 6(d)

Commencement Information

I2 S. 2 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)

3 Exception for activities carried on partly on land etc U.K.

(1) This Chapter does not apply in relation to—

(a) the use of a controlled place for the unloading of gas to an installation which is connected with land by a permanent structure providing access at all times and for all purposes;

(b) the conversion of a natural feature of which part is in a controlled place and part under land, if the operations necessary for the conversion take place wholly or mainly on, over or under land;

(c) the use of a place for the storage of gas, or the recovery of gas so stored, where—

(i) the gas was, or is to be, introduced into the store by means of a well on land, and

(ii) part of the place is a controlled place and part is under land;

(d) the establishment or maintenance of an installation for the purposes of activities falling within paragraph (a).

(2) In this section—

• “land” means—

  (a)

  land in England;

  (b)

  land in Wales;

  (c)

  land in Scotland landward of the low water mark;

• “well” includes a borehole.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 3 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

[F3 3A Exception for unloading to an installation in certain circumstances U.K.

The prohibition in section 2(1) does not apply to a person (“A”) who uses a controlled place for the unloading of gas to an installation if—

(a) the installation is maintained by another person (“B”) who has a licence in respect of the maintenance of the installation and the use of a controlled place for the unloading of gas to it, and

(b) B consents to the use by A of the controlled place for the unloading of gas to the installation.]

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 3A inserted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 14(1), 115(7); S.I. 2015/994, art. 6(d)

Licensing U.K.

4 Licences U.K.

(1) The [F4 OGA] may grant a person a licence in respect of one or more activities within section 2(3).

(2) The controlled place in respect of which a licence is granted may be determined by reference to the provisions of a Crown lease which has been or may be granted.

(3) For this purpose “Crown lease” means a lease of property forming part of the Crown Estate, or an authorisation to exercise rights forming part of that Estate (whether by virtue of section 1 or otherwise).

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in s. 4(1) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 42; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I4 S. 4 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

5 Applications U.K.

[F5 (1)] The Secretary of State may by regulations—

(a) prescribe the persons, or classes of persons, by whom an application for a licence may be made;

(b) prescribe requirements which must be met by, or in relation to, a person who makes an application;

(c) prescribe the manner in which an application must be made;

(d) prescribe the information which an application must contain and any documents which must accompany it;

F6 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F7 (2) Before making any regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult the OGA.]

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 5 renumbered as s. 5(1) (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 43(2); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F6 S. 5(1)(e) omitted (1.10.2016) by virtue of Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 43(3); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F7 S. 5(2) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 43(4); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I5 S. 5 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

6 Terms and conditions U.K.

(1) A licence may be granted on such terms and subject to such conditions as the [F8 OGA] considers appropriate.

(2) The provisions of a licence may be expressed by reference to provision made in a Crown lease, and, in particular, may provide—

(a) for the commencement of the licence to be conditional upon the commencement of a Crown lease which has been or may be granted in respect of the controlled place to which the licence relates or any part of that place;

(b) for the period of the licence to be determined by reference to the period of such a Crown lease.

(3) A licence may authorise, in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as are specified, the transfer of the licence to another person (or the inclusion of another person as a joint licence holder).

(4) The provisions of a licence may include—

(a) provision requiring the licence holder to obtain the prior written consent of the [F8 OGA] or another person for specified acts or omissions;

(b) provision providing that any such consent may be given subject to conditions.

(5) The conditions imposed on a consent by virtue of subsection (4)(b) may include conditions requiring, or otherwise providing for, the modification of the licence in such manner as the [F8 OGA] considers appropriate.

(6) In this section—

• “Crown lease” has the same meaning as in section 4;

• “specified”, in relation to a licence, means specified in, or determined in accordance with, the licence.

Textual Amendments

F8 Word in s. 6 substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 44; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I6 S. 6 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

7 Model clauses U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations prescribing model clauses for licences.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the model clauses, as they have effect at the time a licence is granted, are deemed to be incorporated into the licence.

(3) The [F9 OGA] may decide to exclude or modify one or more of those model clauses in the case of a particular licence.

[F10 (4) Before making any regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult the OGA.]

Textual Amendments

F9 Word in s. 7(3) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 45(2); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F10 S. 7(4) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 45(3); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I7 S. 7 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

Enforcement U.K.

8 Offence to carry on unlicensed activities U.K.

(1) It is an offence for a person to carry on an activity within section 2(3) at a controlled place unless, at the time the activity is carried on, that person—

(a) has a licence for the carrying on of that activity at that place, or

(b) is carrying on the activity on behalf of a person who has such a licence.

(2) It is an offence for a person to cause or permit another person to commit an offence under subsection (1).

(3) But subsections (1) and (2) are subject to section 3.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

Commencement Information

I8 S. 8 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)

9 Offences relating to licences U.K.

(1) An offence is committed by a licence holder if—

(a) a thing is done for which the licence specifies that the prior consent of the [F11 OGA] or any other person is required, without that consent first having been obtained;

(b) such a thing is done in circumstances where that consent was obtained subject to conditions and those conditions have not been satisfied;

(c) the licence holder fails to keep records, give a notice or make a return or report, in accordance with the provisions of the licence;

(d) the licence holder breaches any other provision of the licence which is specified, or of a description specified, in an order made by the Secretary of State.

(2) In proceedings against a person for an offence under subsection (1), it is a defence for the person to prove that due diligence was exercised to avoid committing the offence.

(3) It is an offence for a person to make a statement which the person knows to be false, or recklessly to make a statement which is false, in order to obtain—

(a) a licence, or

(b) the consent of the [F12 OGA] or any other person for the purposes of any requirement imposed by virtue of section 6(4).

(4) It is an offence for a person to fail to disclose information which the person knows, or ought to know, to be relevant to an application for—

(a) a licence, or

(b) the consent of the [F13 OGA] or any other person for the purposes of any requirement imposed by virtue of section 6(4).

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

Textual Amendments

F11 Word in s. 9(1)(a) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 46(2); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F12 Word in s. 9(3)(b) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 46(3); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F13 Word in s. 9(4)(b) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 46(4); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I9 S. 9 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

10 [F14 OGA]'s power of direction U.K.

(1) This section applies if a licence holder fails to comply with any provision of the licence.

(2) The [F14 OGA] may direct the licence holder to take steps which the [F14 OGA] considers necessary or appropriate to comply with the provision within a period specified in the direction.

(3) The [F14 OGA] must consult the licence holder before giving a direction under subsection (2).

(4) If the licence holder fails to comply with a direction under subsection (2), the [F14 OGA] may—

(a) comply with the direction on behalf of the licence holder, or

(b) make arrangements for another person to do so.

(5) A person taking action by virtue of subsection (4) may—

(a) do anything which the licence holder could have done, and

(b) recover from the licence holder any reasonable costs incurred in taking the action.

(6) A person (“P”) liable to pay any sum by virtue of subsection (5)(b) must also pay interest on that sum for the period beginning with the day on which the person taking action by virtue of subsection (4) notified P of the sum payable and ending with the date of payment.

(7) The rate of interest payable in accordance with subsection (6) is a rate determined by the [F14 OGA] as comparable with commercial rates.

(8) The licence holder must provide a person taking action by virtue of subsection (4) with such assistance as the [F14 OGA] may direct.

(9) The power to give a direction under this section is without prejudice to any provision made in the licence with regard to the enforcement of any of its provisions.

Textual Amendments

F14 Word in s. 10 substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 47; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I10 S. 10 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

11 Failure to comply with a direction under section 10 U.K.

(1) It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with a direction under section 10, unless the person proves that due diligence was exercised in order to avoid the failure.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

Commencement Information

I11 S. 11 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

12 Injunctions restraining breaches of section 2(1) U.K.

(1) Where the [F15 OGA] considers it necessary or expedient to restrain any actual or apprehended breach of section 2(1), the [F15 OGA] may apply to the court for an injunction or, in Scotland, an interdict.

(2) An application may be made whether or not the [F15 OGA] has exercised or is proposing to exercise any of the other powers under this Chapter.

(3) On an application under subsection (1), the court may grant such an injunction or interdict as the court thinks appropriate for the purpose of restraining the breach.

(4) Rules of court may provide for an injunction or interdict to be issued against a person whose identity is unknown.

(5) In this section “the court” means—

(a) the High Court, or

(b) in Scotland, the Court of Session.

Textual Amendments

F15 Word in s. 12 substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 48; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I12 S. 12 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

13 Inspectors U.K.

(1) The [F16 OGA] may appoint persons to act as inspectors to assist in carrying out the functions of the [F16 OGA] under this Chapter.

F17 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The Secretary of State may make regulations about—

(a) the powers and duties of inspectors appointed under this section;

(b) the powers and duties of any other person acting on the directions of the [F18 OGA] in connection with a function under this Chapter;

(c) the facilities and assistance to be accorded to persons mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).

(4) The powers conferred by virtue of subsection (3) may include powers of a kind specified in section 108(4) of the Environment Act 1995 (c. 25) (powers of entry, investigation, etc).

(5) Any regulations under this section may provide for the creation of offences which are punishable—

(a) on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or such lesser amount as is specified in the regulations, and

(b) on conviction on indictment by a fine.

[F19 (6) Before making any regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult the OGA.]

Textual Amendments

F16 Word in s. 13(1) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 49(2); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F17 S. 13(2) omitted (1.10.2016) by virtue of Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 49(3); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F18 Word in s. 13(3)(b) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 49(4); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F19 S. 13(6) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 49(5); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I13 S. 13 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

14 Criminal proceedings U.K.

(1) Proceedings for a relevant offence may be taken, and the offence may for all incidental purposes be treated as having been committed, in any place in the United Kingdom.

(2) Section 3 of the Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 (c. 73) (restriction on prosecutions) does not apply to any proceedings for a relevant offence.

(3) Proceedings for a relevant offence alleged to have been committed in a controlled place may not be instituted in England and Wales except—

(a) by the Secretary of State or a person authorised by the Secretary of State, or

(b) by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

(4) Proceedings for a relevant offence alleged to have been committed in a controlled place may not be instituted in Northern Ireland except—

(a) by the Secretary of State or a person authorised by the Secretary of State, or

(b) by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.

(5) In the application of subsection (3) or (4) to an offence created by regulations under section 13—

(a) the words “alleged to have been committed in a controlled place” are to be omitted, F20 ...

F20 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) In this section “relevant offence” means an offence under this Chapter or created by regulations under section 13.

Textual Amendments

F20 S. 14(5)(b) and word omitted (1.10.2016) by virtue of Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 50; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I14 S. 14 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

Supplementary U.K.

15 Interaction with the petroleum licensing requirements U.K.

(1) This section applies where there is a licence for the recovery of gas stored in a controlled place.

(2) The [F21 OGA] may give a direction in respect of the place or any part of it (“the relevant stratum”).

(3) The effect of the direction is that any operations under the licence to recover gas from the relevant stratum are not to be regarded as resulting in the boring for or getting of petroleum for the purposes of Part 1 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17).

(4) A direction may be given only if the [F21 OGA] is satisfied that the amount of petroleum which exists in its natural condition in the relevant stratum is so small that it ought to be disregarded for the purposes of that Part.

(5) Where a direction has effect, if the [F21 OGA] ceases to be satisfied as mentioned in subsection (4), the [F21 OGA] must give the licence holder a notice revoking the direction and specifying a time for the purposes of subsection (6).

(6) Where a notice is given under subsection (5), the revocation of the direction takes effect—

(a) if an application for a petroleum licence in respect of the relevant stratum is made by the licence holder before the specified time, immediately before the time the application is determined or withdrawn, and

(b) in any other case, at the specified time.

(7) Before giving or revoking a direction, the [F21 OGA] must consult the licence holder.

(8) In this section—

• “petroleum” means petroleum to which section 3 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17) applies;

• “petroleum licence” means a licence under that section authorising a person to bore for and get petroleum.

Textual Amendments

F21 Word in s. 15 substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 51; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I15 S. 15 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

Interpretation U.K.

16 Chapter 2: interpretation U.K.

In this Chapter—

• “controlled place” has the meaning given by section 2(4);

• “gas” has the meaning given by section 2(4);

• “installation” includes any floating structure or device maintained on a station by whatever means;

• “licence”, except where the context otherwise requires, means a licence under section 4, and “licence holder” is to be construed accordingly.

• [F22 “the OGA” means the Oil and Gas Authority.]

Textual Amendments

F22 Words in s. 16 inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 52; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I16 S. 16 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)

Chapter 3 U.K. Storage of carbon dioxide

Activities requiring a licence U.K.

17 Prohibition on unlicensed activities U.K.

(1) No person may carry on an activity within subsection (2) except in accordance with a licence.

(2) The activities are—

(a) the use of a controlled place for the storage of carbon dioxide (with a view to its permanent disposal, or as an interim measure prior to its permanent disposal);

(b) the conversion of any natural feature in a controlled place for the purpose of storing carbon dioxide (with a view to its permanent disposal, or as an interim measure prior to its permanent disposal);

(c) the exploration of a controlled place with a view to, or in connection with, the carrying on of activities within paragraph (a) or (b);

(d) the establishment or maintenance in a controlled place of an installation for the purposes of activities within this subsection.

(3) In this section, “controlled place” means a place in, under or over—

(a) the territorial sea, or

(b) waters in a Gas Importation and Storage Zone.

[F23 (3A) In this section, “controlled place” also includes a place—

(a) in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or

(b) in, under or over so much of the internal waters of the United Kingdom as are adjacent to England, Wales or Northern Ireland.]

[F24 (4) In relation to Scotland, “controlled place” includes—

(a) a place in Scotland, or

(b) a place within the seaward limits of the territorial sea adjacent to Scotland.]

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 17(3A) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 2

F24 S. 17(4) inserted (S.) (1.4.2011) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 17(1) restricted (16.9.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Access to Infrastructure) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2305), regs. 1, 16(1)(b)

Commencement Information

I17 S. 17 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

Licensing U.K.

18 Licences U.K.

(1) The licensing authority may grant a licence to a person in respect of one or more activities within section 17(2).

(2) The licensing authority is—

(a) in the case of a licence in respect of activities within section 17(2)(a) to (c) and [F25 an offshore controlled place which is not] [F26 in, under or over the territorial sea adjacent to Scotland][F26 a Scottish controlled place] [F27 (an “offshore UK-controlled place”)], the [F28 OGA],

(b) in the case of a licence in respect of [F29 activities within section 17(2)(a) to (c)] and a [F30 controlled place which is in, under or over ][F31 the territorial sea adjacent to Scotland][F30 Scottish controlled place], the Scottish Ministers,

(c) in the case of a licence in respect of [F32 activities within section 17(2)(a) to (c)] and [F33 an offshore controlled place] only part of which is in, under or over [F34 the territorial sea adjacent to Scotland], either the [F28 OGA] or the Scottish Ministers,F35 ...

[F36 (ca) in the case of a licence in respect of activities within section 17(2)(a) to (c) and an English controlled place, the [F28 OGA],

(cb) in the case of a licence in respect of activities within section 17(2)(a) to (c) and a Welsh controlled place, the Welsh Ministers,

(cc) in the case of a licence in respect of activities within section 17(2)(a) to (c) and a Northern Ireland controlled place, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland,

(cd) in the case of a licence in respect of activities within section 17(2)(a) to (c) and a controlled place part of which is a Welsh controlled place and the rest of which is an English controlled place or an offshore UK-controlled place (or a combination of such places), either the Welsh Ministers or the [F28 OGA],

(ce) in the case of a licence in respect of activities within section 17(2)(a) to (c) and a controlled place part of which is a Northern Ireland controlled place and the rest of which is an offshore UK-controlled place, either the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland or the [F28 OGA], and]

(d) in the case of a licence in respect of activities within section 17(2)(d), whichever of the [F28 OGA][F37 , the Welsh Ministers, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland] or the Scottish Ministers licenses the activities for the purposes of which the installation is established or maintained;

and in this Chapter references to the licensing authority in relation to a licence falling within paragraph (c)[F38 , (cd) or (ce)] are references to the person who grants the licence or, if the licence has not yet been granted, to whom the application for the licence was made.

(3) The controlled place in respect of which a licence is granted may be determined by reference to the provisions of a Crown lease which has been or may be granted.

(4) For this purpose a “Crown lease” means a lease of property forming part of the Crown Estate, or an authorisation to exercise rights forming part of that Estate (whether by virtue of section 1 or otherwise).

[F39 (4A) In this section—

• “English controlled place” means a controlled place in England or in, under or over so much of the internal waters of the United Kingdom as are adjacent to England;

• “Northern Ireland controlled place” means a controlled place in Northern Ireland or in, under or over so much of the internal waters of the United Kingdom as are adjacent to Northern Ireland;

• “Welsh controlled place” means a controlled place in Wales or in, under or over so much of the internal waters of the United Kingdom as are adjacent to Wales.]

[F40 (5) In this section, “Scottish controlled place” means—

(a) a controlled place in Scotland, or

(b) a controlled place within the seaward limits of the territorial sea adjacent to Scotland. ]

Textual Amendments

F25 Words in s. 18(2)(a) substituted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(a)(i)

F26 Words in s. 18(2)(a) substituted (S.) (1.4.2011) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(3)(a)

F27 Words in s. 18(2)(a) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(a)(ii)

F28 Word in s. 18(2) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 53; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F29 Words in s. 18(2)(b) substituted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(b)(i)

F30 Words in s. 18(2)(b) substituted (S.) (1.4.2011) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(3)(b)

F31 Words in s. 18(2)(b) substituted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(b)(ii)

F32 Words in s. 18(2)(c) substituted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(c)(i)

F33 Words in s. 18(2)(c) substituted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(c)(ii)

F34 Words in s. 18(2)(c) substituted (1.4.2011 for S. and 16.11.2011 for E.W. N.I.) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(3)(c); The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(c)(iii)

F35 Word in s. 18(2) omitted (16.11.2011) by virtue of The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(d)

F36 S. 18(2)(ca)-(ce) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(d)

F37 Words in s. 18(2)(d) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(e)

F38 Words in s. 18(2)(d) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(1)(f)

F39 S. 18(4A) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 3(2)

F40 S. 18(5) inserted (S.) (1.4.2011) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(3)(d)

Commencement Information

I18 S. 18 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

19 Requirements relating to grant of licences U.K.

(1) Each licensing authority may by regulations make provision about the circumstances in which it may grant licences, including—

(a) provision about the requirements to be met by or in relation to an applicant, and

(b) provision about any other requirements which must be met for a licence to be granted.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1)(a) may, in particular—

(a) prescribe the persons, or classes of persons, by whom an application for a licence may be made;

(b) prescribe the manner in which an application must be made;

(c) prescribe the information which an application must contain and any documents which must accompany it;

(d) require an application to be accompanied by a fee of an amount prescribed by, or determined in accordance with, the regulations;

(e) require an applicant, before a licence is granted, to make arrangements (whether by way of trust or otherwise) to provide financial security in respect of the applicant's future obligations relating to the activities under the licence (whether those obligations will or may arise under the licence or otherwise).

[F41 (2A) Where the licensing authority is the OGA—

(a) regulations under subsection (1) are to be made by the Secretary of State (and not by the OGA),

(b) the Secretary of State must consult the OGA before making the regulations, and

(c) subsection (2)(d) does not apply.]

[F42 (3) In subsection (1) “licensing authority” does not include the Welsh Ministers or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland.]

Textual Amendments

F41 S. 19(2A) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 54; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F42 S. 19(3) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 4

Commencement Information

I19 S. 19 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

20 Terms and conditions U.K.

(1) A licence may be granted on such terms and subject to such conditions as the licensing authority considers appropriate, subject to regulations under section 21.

(2) Subject to such regulations, a licence may, in particular, include provision of a kind mentioned in subsections (3) to (7).

(3) A licence may include—

(a) provision about the circumstances in which financial security (which may be provided by way of a trust or other arrangements) may be required in respect of the obligations mentioned in section 19(2)(e) (in addition to any security required by virtue of that section), and the form of any such security;

(b) provision about the circumstances in which financial security may be released (in whole or in part);

(c) provision enabling the licensing authority to review the licence in specified circumstances or at specified intervals;

(d) provision enabling the licensing authority, after consulting the licence holder, to modify the licence in specified circumstances (with or without the consent of the licence holder);

(e) provision preventing or enabling the licensing authority to prevent a licence holder, in specified circumstances, from carrying on an activity in respect of which the licence was granted;

(f) provision about closure of a carbon storage facility;

(g) provision about obligations of a licence holder between closure of a carbon storage facility and termination of the licence;

(h) provision about termination of the licence (which may include provision about financial arrangements).

(4) The provisions of a licence may be expressed by reference to provision made in a Crown lease and, in particular, may provide—

(a) for the commencement of the licence to be conditional upon the commencement of a Crown lease which has been or may be granted in respect of the controlled place to which the licence relates or any part of that place;

(b) for the period of the licence to be determined by reference to the period of such a Crown lease.

(5) A licence may authorise, in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as are specified, the transfer of the licence to another person (or the inclusion of another person as a joint licence holder).

(6) The provisions of a licence may include—

(a) provision requiring the licence holder to obtain the prior written consent of the licensing authority or another person for specified acts or omissions;

(b) provision providing that any such consent may be given subject to conditions.

(7) The conditions imposed on a consent by virtue of subsection (6)(b) may include conditions requiring, or otherwise providing for, the modification of the licence in such manner as the licensing authority considers appropriate.

(8) In this section—

• “carbon storage facility” means a controlled place, or part of a controlled place, in which carbon dioxide has been stored pursuant to a licence;

• “closure”, in relation to a carbon storage facility, means the point at which carbon dioxide has ceased to be added to the facility and the licence holder intends, or the licensing authority directs in accordance with the licence, that the cessation should be permanent;

• “Crown lease” has the same meaning as in section 18;

• “specified”, in relation to a licence, means specified in, or determined in accordance with, the licence.

Commencement Information

I20 S. 20 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

21 Content of licences: regulations U.K.

(1) Each licensing authority may make regulations about the terms and conditions of licences granted by it.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may specify that a licence must contain specified provisions or provisions of a specified description.

[F43 (2A) Where the licensing authority is the OGA—

(a) regulations under subsection (1) are to be made by the Secretary of State (and not by the OGA), and

(b) the Secretary of State must consult the OGA before making the regulations.]

[F44 (3) In subsection (1) “licensing authority” does not include the Welsh Ministers or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland.]

Textual Amendments

F43 S. 21(2A) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 55; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F44 S. 21(3) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 5

Commencement Information

I21 S. 21 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

Enforcement U.K.

22 Offence to carry on unlicensed activities U.K.

(1) It is an offence for a person to carry on an activity within section 17(2) at a controlled place unless, at the time the activity is carried on, that person—

(a) has a licence for the carrying on of the activity at that place, or

(b) is carrying on the activity on behalf of a person who has such a licence.

(2) It is an offence for a person to cause or permit another person to commit the offence in subsection (1).

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to [F45 a fine not exceeding £50,000][F45 a fine], or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to a fine, or both.

(4) If the activity constituting the offence falls within section 17(2)(c), or relates to the establishment or maintenance of an installation for the purposes of an activity mentioned in that provision, subsection (3) has effect as if—

[F46 (a) the reference to £50,000 were a reference to the statutory maximum, and]

(b) the reference to imprisonment were omitted.

[F47 [F48 (4A) If the activity constituting the offence is carried on at an English controlled place, a Welsh controlled place or a Northern Ireland controlled place, subsection (3) has effect as if the reference to £50,000 were a reference to the statutory maximum.]]

[F49 (5) If the activity constituting the offence is carried out in a Scottish controlled place other than a place within the area of the territorial sea, subsection (3)(a) has effect as if the reference to £50,000 were a reference to £5,000.]

Textual Amendments

F45 Words in s. 22(3)(a) substituted (E.W.) (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 42(2)(a) (with reg. 5(1))

F46 S. 22(4)(a) omitted (E.W.) (12.3.2015) by virtue of The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 42(2)(b) (with reg. 5(1))

F47 S. 22(4A) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 6

F48 S. 22(4A) omitted (E.W.) (12.3.2015) by virtue of The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 42(2)(c) (with reg. 5(1))

F49 S. 22(5) inserted (1.4.2011) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(4)

Commencement Information

I22 S. 22 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

23 Offences relating to licences U.K.

(1) An offence is committed by a licence holder if—

(a) a thing is done for which the licence specifies that the prior consent of the licensing authority or any other person is required, without that consent first having been obtained;

(b) such a thing is done in circumstances where that consent was obtained subject to conditions and those conditions have not been satisfied;

(c) the licence holder fails to keep records, give a notice or make a return or report, in accordance with the provisions of the licence;

(d) the licence holder breaches any other provision of the licence which is specified, or of a description specified, in an order made by the licensing authority.

(2) In proceedings against a person for an offence under subsection (1), it is a defence for the person to prove that due diligence was exercised to avoid committing the offence.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to [F50 a fine not exceeding £50,000][F50 a fine], or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to a fine, or both.

(4) If an offence under subsection (1) relates to an activity within section 17(2)(c), or relates to the establishment or maintenance of an installation for the purposes of an activity mentioned in that provision, subsection (3) has effect as if—

[F51 (a) the reference to £50,000 were a reference to the statutory maximum, and]

(b) the reference to imprisonment were omitted.

(5) It is an offence for a person to make a statement which the person knows to be false, or recklessly to make a statement which is false, in order to obtain—

(a) a licence, or

(b) the consent of the licensing authority or any other person for the purposes of any requirement imposed by virtue of section 20(6).

(6) It is an offence for a person to fail to disclose information which the person knows, or ought to know, to be relevant to an application for—

(a) a licence, or

(b) the consent of the licensing authority or any other person for the purposes of any requirement imposed by virtue of section 20(6).

(7) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (5) or (6) is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

[F52 (8) In subsection (1)(d) “licensing authority” does not include the Welsh Ministers or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland.]

Textual Amendments

F50 Words in s. 23(3)(a) substituted (E.W.) (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 42(3)(a) (with reg. 5(1))

F51 S. 23(4)(a) omitted (E.W.) (12.3.2015) by virtue of The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 42(3)(b) (with reg. 5(1))

F52 S. 23(8) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 7

Commencement Information

I23 S. 23 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

24 Licensing authority's power of direction U.K.

(1) This section applies if a licence holder fails to comply with any provision of the licence.

(2) The licensing authority may direct the licence holder to take steps which the licensing authority considers necessary or appropriate to comply with the provision within a period specified in the direction.

(3) The licensing authority must consult the licence holder before giving a direction under subsection (2).

(4) If the licence holder fails to comply with a direction under subsection (2), the licensing authority may—

(a) comply with the direction on behalf of the licence holder, or

(b) make arrangements for another person to do so.

(5) A person taking action by virtue of subsection (4) may—

(a) do anything which the licence holder could have done, and

(b) recover from the licence holder any reasonable costs incurred in taking the action.

(6) A person (“P”) liable to pay any sum by virtue of subsection (5)(b) must also pay interest on that sum for the period beginning with the day on which the person taking action by virtue of subsection (4) notified P of the sum payable and ending with the date of payment.

(7) The rate of interest payable in accordance with subsection (6) is a rate determined by the licensing authority as comparable with commercial rates.

(8) The licence holder must provide a person taking action by virtue of subsection (4) with such assistance as the licensing authority may direct.

(9) The power to give a direction under this section is without prejudice to any provision made in the licence with regard to the enforcement of any of its provisions.

Commencement Information

I24 S. 24 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

25 Failure to comply with a direction under section 24 U.K.

(1) It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with a direction under section 24, unless the person proves that due diligence was exercised in order to avoid the failure.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to [F53 a fine not exceeding £50,000][F53 a fine], or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to a fine, or both.

Textual Amendments

F53 Words in s. 25(2)(a) substituted (E.W.) (12.3.2015) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/664), reg. 1(1), Sch. 4 para. 42(4) (with reg. 5(1))

Commencement Information

I25 S. 25 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

26 Injunctions restraining breaches of section 17(1) U.K.

[F54 (A1) Where the [F55 OGA] considers it necessary or expedient to restrain any actual or apprehended breach of section 17(1) in relation to an English controlled place, the [F55 OGA] may apply to the High Court for an injunction.

(A2) Where the Welsh Ministers consider it necessary or expedient to restrain any actual or apprehended breach of section 17(1) in relation to a Welsh controlled place, they may apply to the High Court for an injunction.]

(1) Where the Scottish Ministers consider it necessary or expedient to restrain any actual or apprehended breach of section 17(1) in relation to a [F56 controlled place in, under or over the territorial sea adjacent to Scotland][F56 Scottish controlled place], they may apply to the Court of Session for an interdict.

[F57 (1A) Where the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland considers it necessary or expedient to restrain any actual or apprehended breach of section 17(1) in relation to a Northern Ireland controlled place, it may apply to the High Court for an injunction.]

(2) Where the [F55 OGA] considers it necessary or expedient to restrain any F58 ...actual or apprehended breach of section 17(1) [F59 in relation to an offshore UK-controlled place], the [F55 OGA] may apply—

(a) to the High Court for an injunction, or

(b) to the Court of Session for an interdict.

(3) An application may be made under this section whether or not the applicant has exercised or is proposing to exercise any of the other powers under this Chapter.

(4) On an application under this section, the Court of Session may grant such an interdict, or the High Court may grant such an injunction, as it thinks appropriate for the purpose of restraining the breach.

(5) Rules of court may provide for an injunction or interdict to be issued against a person whose identity is unknown.

Textual Amendments

F54 S. 26(A1)(A2) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 8(a)

F55 Word in s. 26 substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 56; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F56 Words in s. 26(1) substituted (S.) (1.4.2011) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(5)

F57 S. 26(1A) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 8(b)

F58 Word in s. 26(2) omitted (16.11.2011) by virtue of The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 8(c)(i)

F59 Words in s. 26(2) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 8(c)(ii)

Commencement Information

I26 S. 26 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

27 Inspectors U.K.

[F60 (1) The following may appoint persons to act as inspectors to assist in carrying out their respective functions under this Chapter—

(a) the OGA,

(b) the Scottish Ministers,

(c) the Welsh Ministers, and

(d) the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland.]

[F60 (2) The following may make payments, by way of remuneration or otherwise, to inspectors appointed by them under this section—

(a) the Scottish Ministers,

(b) the Welsh Ministers, and

(c) the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland.]

(3) The Secretary of State may make regulations about—

(a) the powers and duties of inspectors appointed under this section;

(b) the powers and duties of any other person acting on the directions of the [F61 OGA] in connection with a function under this Chapter;

(c) the facilities and assistance to be accorded to persons mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).

(4) The powers conferred by virtue of subsection (3) may include powers of a kind specified in section 108(4) of the Environment Act 1995 (c. 25) (powers of entry, investigation, etc).

(5) Any regulations under this section may provide for the creation of offences which are punishable—

(a) on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or such lesser amount as is specified in the regulations, and

(b) on conviction on indictment by a fine.

(6) [F62 Subsections (3) to (5) apply] in relation to the Scottish Ministers and the functions of the Scottish Ministers under this Chapter as [F63 they apply] in relation to the Secretary of State and the functions of the Secretary of State under this Chapter [F64 (reading the reference to the OGA in subsection (3)(b) as a reference to the Secretary of State)].

F65 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F60 S. 27(1)(2) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 57(2); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F61 Word in s. 27(3)(b) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 57(3); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F62 Words in s. 27(6) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 57(4)(a); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F63 Words in s. 27(6) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 57(4)(b); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F64 Words in s. 27(6) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 57(4)(c); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F65 S. 27(7) omitted (1.10.2016) by virtue of Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 57(5); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I27 S. 27 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

28 Criminal proceedings U.K.

(1) Proceedings for a relevant offence may be taken, and the offence may for all incidental purposes be treated as having been committed, in any place in the United Kingdom.

(2) Section 3 of the Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 (c. 73) (restriction on prosecutions) does not apply to any proceedings for a relevant offence.

(3) Proceedings for a relevant offence alleged to have been committed in [F66 an offshore controlled place] may not be instituted in England and Wales except—

(a) by the Secretary of State or a person authorised by the Secretary of State, or

(b) by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

(4) Proceedings for a relevant offence alleged to have been committed in [F67 an offshore controlled place] may not be instituted in Northern Ireland except—

(a) by the Secretary of State or a person authorised by the Secretary of State, or

(b) by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.

(5) In the application of subsection (3) or (4) to an offence created by regulations under section 27—

(a) the words “alleged to have been committed in [F68 an offshore controlled place]” are to be omitted, and

(b) [F69 except in the case of an offence that relates to functions of the OGA under this Chapter,] the references to a person authorised by the Secretary of State are to be read as references to an inspector appointed under that section.

(6) In this section “relevant offence” means an offence under this Chapter or created by regulations under section 27.

Textual Amendments

F66 Words in s. 28(3) substituted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 10

F67 Words in s. 28(4) substituted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 10

F68 Words in s. 28(5)(a) substituted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 10

F69 Words in s. 28(5)(b) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 58; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I28 S. 28 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

Registration U.K.

29 Requirement for public register U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State must maintain a register containing prescribed information relating to licences.

(2) Information is not to be included in the register if—

(a) the Secretary of State thinks that disclosure of the information would be contrary to the interests of national security, or

(b) the licensing authority thinks that disclosure of the information would prejudice to an unreasonable degree a person's commercial interests.

(3) Information excluded from the register by virtue of subsection (2)(b) is treated, subject to subsection (4), as ceasing to prejudice a person's commercial interests at the end of the period of 4 years beginning with the date on which the licensing authority made the decision to exclude it.

(4) The licensing authority may, on the application of the person whose commercial interests are affected, decide whether the information should be included in the register at the end of the period mentioned in subsection (3) or should continue to be excluded.

(5) Where information of any description is excluded from the register by virtue of subsection (2)(b), a statement is to be included in the register indicating the existence of information of that description.

(6) The Secretary of State must—

(a) secure that the register maintained under this section is available for inspection by the public free of charge, and

(b) afford to members of the public facilities for obtaining copies of entries, on payment of a fee.

(7) In this section “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

[F70 (8) The OGA must provide to the Secretary of State any information held by it that is required by the Secretary of State in order to comply with the requirements imposed by this section.]

Textual Amendments

F70 S. 29(8) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 59; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I29 S. 29 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

Abandonment of offshore [F71 infrastructure] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F71 Word in Pt. 1 Ch. 3(crossheading) substituted (18.12.2011) by Energy Act 2011 (c. 16), ss. 107(3), 121(3)

30 Abandonment of installations U.K.

(1) Part 4 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17) ([F72 referred to in this section and sections 30A and 30B as “the 1998 Act”]) applies in relation to a carbon storage installation as it applies in relation to an offshore installation within the meaning given by section 44 of the 1998 Act, subject to subsections [F73 (1A),] (2) and (4) [F74 and section 30A].

[F75 (1A) For the purposes of subsection (1), the amendments made to Part 4 of the 1998 Act by Schedule 2 to the Energy Act 2016 are to be disregarded.]

(2) In relation to a carbon storage installation established or maintained at a controlled place under a licence granted by the Scottish Ministers—

(a) the functions conferred on the Secretary of State by Part 4 of the 1998 Act are exercisable by the Scottish Ministers rather than the Secretary of State (and, accordingly, the reference in section 39(6) of the 1998 Act to either House of Parliament is to be read as a reference to the Scottish Parliament), and

(b) the Scottish Ministers may make regulations providing that that Part applies with such other modifications as may be specified in the regulations.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), orders under section 33(1) are to be disregarded and installations used for a purpose ancillary to getting petroleum (within the meaning of section 1 of the 1998 Act) are not to be treated as carbon storage installations.

(4) In relation to any other carbon storage installation, the Secretary of State may make regulations providing that Part 4 of the 1998 Act applies in relation to such an installation with such modifications as may be specified in the regulations.

[F76 (4A) The power in subsection (4)—

(a) may (in particular) be exercised to make modifications corresponding to the amendments made by Schedule 2 to the Energy Act 2016, and

(b) is subject to section 30A.]

(5) In this section [F77 and section 30A], “carbon storage installation” means an installation [F78 falling within subsection (6) that is] established or maintained for the purposes of an activity mentioned in section 17(2)(a), (b) or (c).

[F79 (6) An installation falls within this subsection if it is established or maintained in the water, or on the foreshore or other land intermittently covered with water, and is not connected with dry land by a permanent structure providing access at all times and for all purposes.]

Textual Amendments

F72 Words in s. 30(1) substituted (18.12.2011) by Energy Act 2011 (c. 16), ss. 107(4)(a)(i), 121(3)

F73 Word in s. 30(1) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 2 para. 13(2); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(c)

F74 Words in s. 30(1) inserted (18.12.2011) by Energy Act 2011 (c. 16), ss. 107(4)(a)(ii), 121(3)

F75 S. 30(1A) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 2 para. 13(3); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(c)

F76 S. 30(4A) substituted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 2 para. 13(4); S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(c)

F77 Words in s. 30(5) inserted (18.12.2011) by Energy Act 2011 (c. 16), ss. 107(4)(c), 121(3)

F78 Words in s. 30(5) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 11(a)

F79 S. 30(6) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 11(b)

Commencement Information

I30 S. 30 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

[F80 30A Installations converted for CCS demonstration projects U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order designate an installation as an eligible CCS installation.

(2) But an order may not be made under subsection (1) in relation to—

(a) a carbon storage installation established or maintained under a licence granted by the Scottish Ministers, or

(b) any other installation established or maintained wholly or partly in Scotland.

(3) An order under subsection (1) ceases to have effect if the installation in relation to which it is made becomes an installation within subsection (2)(a).

(4) An eligible CCS installation qualifies for change of use relief if—

(a) the installation is or has been used as part of a CCS demonstration project, and

(b) the trigger event has occurred in relation to the installation at a time when the installation was so used (whether before or after it was designated under this section).

(5) The trigger event occurs—

(a) in relation to an installation used for the injection of captured carbon dioxide into a carbon storage facility as part of a CCS demonstration project, when captured carbon dioxide is first present at the installation, and

(b) in relation to an installation used as part of a CCS demonstration project for any other purpose, when captured carbon dioxide is first present at another installation used as mentioned in paragraph (a) as part of the same project.

(6) Where an eligible CCS installation qualifies for change of use relief—

(a) an abandonment programme notice must not be served on a person who is within section 30(1) of the 1998 Act only because one or more of subsections (7) to (9) applies in relation to the person (but this does not affect the validity of a notice served on any such person before the installation qualified for change of use relief), and

(b) a proposal must not be made under section 34(1)(b) of the 1998 Act if the effect of the proposal (if implemented) would be to impose an abandonment liability on a person who is within section 34(2)(a) of the 1998 Act only because one or more of subsections (7) to (10) applies in relation to the person.

(7) This subsection applies in relation to a person if—

(a) the person is within paragraph (b) of section 30(1) of the 1998 Act in relation to the installation only by virtue of the fact that the person had a right mentioned in section 30(5)(a) of that Act when an activity mentioned in section 30(6) of that Act was last carried on from, by means of or on the installation, and

(b) any such activity was last so carried on before the trigger event occurred in relation to the installation.

(8) This subsection applies in relation to a person if—

(a) the person is within paragraph (ba) of section 30(1) of the 1998 Act in relation to the installation, and

(b) the transfer mentioned in sub-paragraph (i) of that paragraph took place before the trigger event occurred in relation to the installation.

(9) This subsection applies in relation to a person if the person is within paragraph (e) of section 30(1) of the 1998 Act only by virtue of being associated with a body corporate which is within subsection (7) or (8).

(10) This subsection applies in relation to a person if the person has been within any of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) of section 30(1) of the 1998 Act in relation to the installation, but only at a time—

(a) when the installation was an offshore installation (within the meaning given by section 44 of the 1998 Act), and

(b) before the trigger event occurred in relation to the installation.

(11) The power conferred by subsection (1) does not include a power to revoke an order made under that subsection.

(12) In this section—

• “ abandonment liability ”, in relation to an installation, means a duty to secure that an abandonment programme for the installation is carried out;

• “ abandonment programme ”, in relation to an installation, means a programme in respect of the installation approved, or having effect as if approved, by the Secretary of State under section 32 of the 1998 Act;

• “ abandonment programme notice ” means a notice served under section 29(1) of the 1998 Act;

• “ captured carbon dioxide ” means carbon dioxide that has been produced by, or in connection with, commercial electricity generation and captured with a view to its disposal by way of permanent storage;

• “ carbon dioxide ”, “ CCS demonstration project ” and “ commercial electricity generation ” have the same meanings as in Part 1 of the Energy Act 2010 (see section 7 of that Act);

• “ carbon storage facility ” has the same meaning as in section 20;

• “ Scotland ” has the same meaning as in the Scotland Act 1998 (see section 126(1) of that Act).

(13) Section 30(8) to (9) of the 1998 Act (when one body corporate is associated with another) apply for the purposes of this section.

Textual Amendments

F80 S. 30A, 30B inserted (18.12.2011) by Energy Act 2011 (c. 16), ss. 107(2), 121(3)

30B Submarine pipelines converted for CCS demonstration projects U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order designate a submarine pipeline as an eligible CCS pipeline.

(2) An eligible CCS pipeline qualifies for change of use relief if—

(a) the pipeline is or has been used as part of a CCS demonstration project for a purpose other than the transport of petroleum, and

(b) the trigger event has occurred in relation to the pipeline at a time when the pipeline was so used (whether before or after it was designated under this section).

(3) The trigger event—

(a) in relation to a pipeline used to transport captured carbon dioxide as part of a CCS demonstration project, occurs when captured carbon dioxide is first present in the pipeline, and

(b) in relation to a pipeline used as part of a CCS demonstration project for any other purpose, occurs—

(i) when captured carbon dioxide is first present in another pipeline used as part of the same project, or

(ii) if earlier, when captured carbon dioxide is first present at an installation used as part of the same project for the injection of captured carbon dioxide into a carbon storage facility.

(4) Where an eligible CCS pipeline qualifies for change of use relief, a proposal must not be made under section 34(1)(b) of the 1998 Act if the effect of the proposal (if implemented) would be to impose an abandonment liability on a person who is within section 34(2)(b) of the 1998 Act only because subsection (5) applies in relation to the person.

(5) This subsection applies in relation to a person if the person has been within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 30(2) of the 1998 Act in relation to the pipeline, but only at a time—

(a) when the pipeline was used solely for activities other than activities connected with any mentioned in section 17(2)(a), (b) or (c), and

(b) before the trigger event occurred in relation to the pipeline.

(6) The power conferred by subsection (1) does not include a power to revoke an order made under that subsection.

(7) In this section—

• “ abandonment liability ”, in relation to a submarine pipeline, is a duty to secure that an abandonment programme for the pipeline is carried out;

• “ abandonment programme ”, in relation to a submarine pipeline, means a programme in respect of the pipeline approved, or having effect as if approved, by the Secretary of State under section 32 of the 1998 Act;

• “ captured carbon dioxide ” and “ CCS demonstration project ” have the same meanings as in section 30A;

• “ carbon storage facility ” has the same meaning as in section 20;

• “ petroleum ” has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the 1998 Act (see section 1 of that Act) and includes petroleum that has undergone any processing;

• “ submarine pipeline ” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (see section 45 of that Act). ]

Textual Amendments

F80 S. 30A, 30B inserted (18.12.2011) by Energy Act 2011 (c. 16), ss. 107(2), 121(3)

Termination of the licence U.K.

31 Termination of licence: regulations U.K.

(1) The licensing authority may by regulations make provision—

(a) about the circumstances in which a licence may be terminated;

(b) imposing obligations on the licensing authority in respect of a carbon storage facility on or after the termination of a licence relating to the facility.

(2) Regulations under this section may, in particular, make provision about financial arrangements to be made in relation to a closed carbon storage facility on or after the termination of a licence relating to the facility.

(3) A licence has effect subject to any regulations under this section.

[F81 (3A) Where the licensing authority is the OGA—

(a) regulations under this section are to be made by the Secretary of State (and not by the OGA), and

(b) the Secretary of State must consult the OGA before making the regulations.]

[F82 (4) In subsection (1) “licensing authority” does not include the Welsh Ministers or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland.]

Textual Amendments

F81 S. 31(3A) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 60; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F82 S. 31(4) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 12

Commencement Information

I31 S. 31 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

Miscellaneous U.K.

32 Safety zones U.K.

Sections 21, 23 and 24 of the Petroleum Act 1987 (c. 12) (safety zones) apply in relation to a carbon storage installation as they apply in relation to an installation within section 21(1) of that Act.

Commencement Information

I32 S. 32 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

33 Enhanced petroleum recovery: power to make orders U.K.

(1) The use of carbon dioxide, in a controlled place, for a purpose ancillary to getting petroleum is to be regarded as—

(a) an activity within section 17(2), or

(b) the storage of gas for the purposes of section 1(3)(b),

only in the circumstances specified by the Secretary of State by order.

[F83 (1A) Before making an order under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must consult the OGA.]

(2) Subsection (1) and orders made under it are without prejudice to Part 1 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17).

(3) An order under subsection (1) may provide that the use of carbon dioxide, in a designated place, for a purpose ancillary to getting petroleum is to be regarded, for the purposes of this Chapter, as the use of carbon dioxide in a controlled place for such a purpose.

(4) A designated place means a place designated by the order which is a place in, under or over waters in an area designated under section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964 (c. 29), other than waters in a Gas Importation and Storage Zone.

(5) In this section “petroleum” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 17).

Textual Amendments

F83 S. 33(1A) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 61; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

Commencement Information

I33 S. 33 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

34 Power of Secretary of State etc to transfer functions U.K.

(1) The Secretary of State may by order transfer to a public body any function conferred on the Secretary of State by or under this Chapter, other than a power to make regulations or an order.

(2) A function transferred by an order under subsection (1) reverts to the Secretary of State if the order is revoked.

(3) An order under subsection (1) may—

(a) transfer different functions to different bodies;

(b) transfer functions to a body in respect of all activities within section 17(2) or only specified activities;

(c) transfer the same function to different bodies in respect of different activities;

(d) transfer functions to different bodies in respect of different places.

(4) An order under subsection (1) may—

(a) provide for the Secretary of State to make payments to a body to which a function has been transferred in respect of the body's expenditure in connection with the exercise of the function;

(b) require any fee paid to such a body under this Chapter to be paid into the Consolidated Fund;

(c) make such modifications of section 188 of the Energy Act 2004 (c. 20) (power to impose charges to fund energy functions), or any regulations made under that section, as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in consequence of the transfer of a function by virtue of this section.

(5) The Secretary of State may give a direction to a body to which functions have been transferred under subsection (1) about—

(a) whether, or in what circumstances, a function specified in the direction is to be carried out;

(b) the manner in which a function specified in the direction is to be carried out.

(6) A direction under subsection (5) may be general or specific.

(7) The Secretary of State may not give a direction under subsection (5) without first consulting the body to which the Secretary of State proposes to give the direction.

(8) This section applies in relation to the Scottish Ministers and any functions conferred on them by or under this Chapter as it applies in relation to the Secretary of State and any functions conferred on the Secretary of State by or under this Chapter, except that—

(a) in its application to the Scottish Ministers the reference in subsection (4)(b) to the Consolidated Fund is to be read as a reference to the Scottish Consolidated Fund, and

(b) the reference in that subsection to section 188 of the Energy Act 2004 (c. 20) is to be read as a reference to that section as applied and modified by subsection (12) (inserted by paragraph 13(e) of Schedule 1 to this Act).

Commencement Information

I34 S. 34 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

Interpretation U.K.

35 Chapter 3: interpretation U.K.

(1) In this Chapter—

• “carbon storage facility” has the meaning given by section 20(8);

• “carbon storage installation” has the meaning given by section 30(5);

• “closure”, in relation to a carbon storage facility, has the meaning given by section 20(8);

• “controlled place” has the meaning given by section 17(3) [F84 and (3A)] [F85 and (4)];

• [F86 “English controlled place” has the meaning given by section 18(4A);]

• [F87 “Gas Importation and Storage Zone” is to be read in accordance with section 1(5);]

• “installation” includes any floating structure or device maintained on a station by whatever means;

• “licence” means a licence granted under section 18(1), and “licence holder” is to be construed accordingly;

• “licensing authority” has the meaning given by section 18(2).

• [F86 “Northern Ireland controlled place” has the meaning given by section 18(4A);]

• [F86 “offshore controlled place” means a place that is mentioned in section 17(3);]

• [F86 “offshore UK-controlled place” has the meaning given by section 18(2)(a);]

• [F88 “the OGA” means the Oil and Gas Authority.]

• [F89 "Scottish controlled place” has the meaning given by section 18(5).]

• [F86 “Welsh controlled place” has the meaning given by section 18(4A).]

(2) An Order in Council under section 126(2) of the Scotland Act 1998 (c. 46) (apportionment of sea areas) has effect for the purposes of this Chapter if, or to the extent that, the Order is expressed to apply—

(a) by virtue of this subsection, for the purposes of this Chapter, or

(b) if no provision has been made by virtue of paragraph (a), for the general or residual purposes of that Act.

[F90 (3) An Order in Council under section 98(8) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 has effect for the purposes of this Chapter if, or to the extent that, the Order in Council is expressed to apply—

(a) by virtue of this subsection, for the purposes of this Chapter, or

(b) if no provision has been made by virtue of paragraph (a), for the general or residual purposes of that Act.

(4) An order or Order in Council made under or by virtue of section 158(3) or (4) of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (apportionment of sea areas) has effect for the purposes of this Chapter if, or to the extent that, the order or Order in Council is expressed to apply—

(a) by virtue of this subsection, for the purposes of this Chapter, or

(b) if no provision has been made by virtue of paragraph (a), for the general or residual purposes of that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F84 Words in s. 35(1) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 13(1)(a)

F85 Words in s. 35(1) inserted (S.) (1.4.2011) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(6)(a)

F86 Words in s. 35(1) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 13(1)(b)

F87 Words in s. 35(1) substituted (31.3.2014) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 4 para. 5(3); S.I. 2013/3055, art. 2

F88 Words in s. 35(1) inserted (1.10.2016) by Energy Act 2016 (c. 20), s. 84(3), Sch. 1 para. 62; S.I. 2016/920, reg. 2(a)

F89 Definition of "Scottish controlled place" in s. 35(1) inserted (S.) (1.4.2011) by The Energy Act 2008 (Storage of Carbon Dioxide) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/224), regs. 1, 2(6)(b)

F90 S. 35(3)(4) inserted (16.11.2011) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2453), reg. 13(2)

Commencement Information

I35 S. 35 in force at 6.4.2009 by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(ii)

Chapter 4 U.K. General provisions about gas importation and storage

36 Chapters 2 and 3: consequential amendments U.K.

Schedule 1 contains amendments relating to Chapters 2 and 3.

Commencement Information

I36 S. 36 in force at 6.4.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/45, art. 4(a)(iii)

I37 S. 36 in force at 13.11.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/2809, art. 2 (with art. 4)