The Energy Act 2023 (Commencement No. 5, Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026
Mini Summary
Energy Act 2023
Organisations must have a licence to transport hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide through a pipeline, and dispose of carbon dioxide via geological storagegeological storageGeological storage is the injection of captured carbon dioxide into rock to remove it from the atmosphere. .
It aims to promote sustainable development and help the United Kingdom achieve net-zero emissionsnet-zero emissionsNet-zero emissions means reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero. targets.
Counterparties
The Secretary of State may appoint a counterpartycounterpartyA counterparty is an individual or organisation that provides financial support to organisations.
for:
- carbon dioxide capture, transport and storage providerscarbon dioxide capture, transport and storage providersA carbon dioxide capture, transport and storage provider is a person that captures, transports or stores carbon dioxide under a licence. ;
- hydrogen producers; and
- hydrogen transport and storage providershydrogen transport and storage providersA hydrogen transport and storage provider is a person that transports or stores hydrogen or a compound containing hydrogen. .
Counterparties may:
- impose conditions on providers;
- specify the process to be followed when producing hydrogen or capturing carbon dioxide; and
- specify targets for hydrogen production and carbon capture.
Amendment
From 30th September 2026, section 299 of the Energy Act 2023 is brought into full force. This removes the Secretary of State’s powers to charge fees for offshore oil and gas abandonment programmes under the Petroleum Act 1998 and updates how related expenditure incurred can be recovered.
This commencement has no direct relevance to environmental matters.
Duties
The duties for this legislation are in the Legislation Update Service
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