Emissions in the North Sea have fallen for the sixth year in a row after regulation and industry action saw a 7% reduction to production emissions in 2025.
A report from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) states that there has been an overall 37% decrease since 2018.
More than half of last year’s reductions were attributable to active measures, implemented on operational installations rather than just assets that have stopped producing.
The regulator says it “keeps a tight grip” on flaring and venting volumes as, since early 2021, it has issued a total £1.7 million in fines for breaches. Each operator is required to produce an agreed Emissions Reduction Action Plan for every asset as well.
In its North Sea Future Plan, the government reinforced its support for the NSTA’s approach to emissions reduction, while recognising that a mix of fossil fuels and renewables is essential while still working towards net zero transition targets.
The North Sea Transition Deal interim targets of reducing emissions 10% by 2025 and 25% by 2027 have been surpassed, while the NSTA says the goal of halving emissions by 2030 is achievable, based on the current trajectory.
However, the regulator says that without continued and expanded effort, the 2040 target of a 90% reduction in emissions will not be achieved.
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