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| Onshore Energy Security Program | |
|---|---|
| Name | Onshore Energy Security Program |
| Established | 2023 |
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom |
| Headquarters | Westminster |
| Minister | Kwasi Kwarteng |
| Parent agency | Department for Energy Security and Net Zero |
| Budget | £2.5 billion (2023) |
Onshore Energy Security Program
The Onshore Energy Security Program is a United Kingdom initiative launched in 2023 to bolster domestic energy security through development of onshore natural gas extraction, carbon capture and storage, and related infrastructure. The program coordinates policy instruments across Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, HM Treasury, and local authorities while interacting with private actors such as BP, Shell plc, Bechtel, and National Grid plc. It has sparked debate involving stakeholders including Citizens Advice, Friends of the Earth, National Farmers' Union, and trade unions such as Unite the Union.
The program was announced by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero in the aftermath of the 2022 global energy crisis and rising prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022). It aims to increase resilience against supply shocks by promoting extraction in onshore basins like the East Midlands Oil Province, supporting infrastructure projects in the North Sea Transition Deal, and integrating with National Infrastructure Commission recommendations. Key partners include state bodies such as Ofgem and industry regulators such as the Oil and Gas Authority.
Primary objectives include enhancing domestic hydrocarbon output, accelerating deployment of hydrogen production and storage, enabling carbon capture and storage at scale, and securing critical supply chains for gas turbines and drilling rigs. The scope covers licensing in regions overseen by the Crown Estate, permitting reforms interacting with planning frameworks like the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and coordination with devolved administrations such as the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. It also targets skills supply via collaborations with UK Research and Innovation, Institute of Civil Engineers, and further education providers including City and Guilds.
Components comprise a licencing round for onshore hydrocarbons administered by the Oil and Gas Authority, a strategic investment vehicle managed by UK Export Finance, competitive grants administered by Innovate UK, and infrastructure acceleration through Highways England and Network Rail for logistics. Technology strands include pilot projects with Carbon Clean Solutions, electrolyser deployment linked with Siemens Energy, and integration with grid upgrades by National Grid ESO. Community benefit schemes reference precedents from projects by National Grid plc and Cadent Gas Limited.
Governance uses an interdepartmental board chaired by senior officials from HM Treasury and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with oversight panels including representatives from Environment Agency, Historic England, and local enterprise partnerships such as Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Delivery relies on statutory instruments and memoranda of understanding with bodies like Planning Inspectorate and Health and Safety Executive. Project pipelines are monitored through public reporting modeled on transparency standards used by Oil and Gas UK and international comparators such as the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate.
Initial allocation comprised a multi-year package drawing on reserves from HM Treasury and reallocated funds from prior programmes, totaling approximately £2.5 billion for capital and subsidies. Financing blends public grants, loans from British Business Bank, tax incentives similar to Investment Zones, and private capital sourced from energy majors including Centrica and private equity firms. Fiscal design references precedents such as the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Contracts for Difference framework administered by BEIS predecessors.
Environmental assessment protocols require compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive transposed into UK law, consultation with statutory consultees like the Environment Agency and Natural England, and adherence to protected area safeguards including Site of Special Scientific Interest designations. Land-use conflicts involve stakeholders such as the National Farmers' Union and conservation NGOs like RSPB and Friends of the Earth. Carbon mitigation measures invoke technologies championed by Zero Carbon Humber and principles echoed in the Committee on Climate Change advice.
Critics include environmental groups (Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth), opposition parties such as the Labour Party (UK) and local campaigners who cite tensions with net zero commitments advocated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and reports from the Committee on Climate Change. Industry voices argue the program is necessary for energy independence, while some academics at institutions like Imperial College London and University of Oxford warn about lock-in risks. Legal challenges have been threatened under planning statutes and human rights claims referencing precedents from cases adjudicated in the UK Supreme Court.