Wintershall Dea lands first UK CCS licence

Germany's Wintershall Dea has secured its first carbon capture and storage (CCS) licence in the UK, as it works to expand its base for developing the technology.

The Camelot licence has the potential to store up to 6mn tonnes of CO2 annually in depleted gas fields and an overlying saline aquifer, Wintershall said in a statement on August 15. Wintershall has a 50% stake in the project while the remaining share is held by Synergia Energy, which will serve as operator in the appraisal phase. The work programme will be developed and managed by Wintershall Dea Carbon Management Solutions UK.

The German firm now has four CCS licences in three North Sea countries, positioning it as a key developer of the technology in the region. The company noted that its conventional oil and gas operations in the region over many years gave it expertise.

"With the extensive subsurface and operational expertise that we have gained over time, Wintershall Dea is well-equipped to contribute to developing these reservoirs to store CO2 potentially starting from 2030," the company said.

The UK's North Sea Transition Authority has announced plans to award more than 100 licences for CCS over the next few years.