Oil and gas licensing and regulation

Introduction

This is an overview of the key content to be found in our Oil and gas licensing and regulation subtopic. It briefly explains the nature of this content and provides links to it.

For more information on Corporate oil and gas transactions, see our subtopic: Corporate oil and gas transactions—overview.

Policy

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Practice Note: The Energy White Paper—an overview [Archived]—has been archived and is not maintained. This Practice Note considers some of the key measures announced in the Energy White Paper published by the former UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on 14 December 2020 and their expected impact on the energy sector. It also provides a comprehensive overview of all commitments announced. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) was established on 7 February 2023 and has taken over the energy portfolio of the former BEIS, which no longer exists

Oil and gas licensing and regulation—licensing and regulation

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Practice Note: Industry Bodies and Codes—Oil & Gas—brings together in one place direct links to some of the key industry bodies, industry codes and licences and

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Latest Energy News

OTC, WindEurope and HyNOS outline next steps for coordinated offshore energy planning in the Northern Seas

The Offshore Transmission System Operators Cooperation (OTC), together with WindEurope and the Hydrogen Networks of the Northern Seas (HyNOS), has published a Cooperation Paper setting out an integrated framework for regional planning of cross-border offshore energy infrastructure. The paper proposes practical steps to align electricity grid, wind, and hydrogen network planning in the Northern Seas, fostering a unified European approach to offshore energy system design. It emphasises the need for structured stakeholder interfaces, joint scenario development, and cost-benefit assessment processes that link transmission operators, offshore wind developers, and commercial infrastructure investors.

Commission publishes 2025 State of the Energy Union and Climate Progress Reports

The European Commission has published its 2025 State of the Energy Union and Climate Progress Reports, showing the EU remains on track to meet 2030 climate targets with greenhouse gas emissions falling 2.5% in 2024. The reports highlight ongoing negotiations on amending the European Climate Law to set a 90% emissions reduction target by 2040 and upcoming revision of the Governance Regulation on Energy Union and Climate Action for the post-2030 framework.

NESO launches call for input to address rising demand connection applications

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has launched a Call for Input (CfI) in response to a recent increase in transmission-level demand connection applications, which has far exceeded even the most ambitious of previous forecasts. The CfI forms part of a broader initiative, developed in collaboration with government and Ofgem, to support the management of the demand queue following the TMO4+ grid connection reforms approved earlier this year. NESO’s transmission-related CfI opened on 6 November 2025 and is directed at customers with existing transmission-level demand connection agreements, as well as those with generation agreements that include demand technologies (such as co-located sites). NESO is seeking updated information on project characteristics, including connection status, timelines, financial readiness and maturity.

Ofgem sets out actions to manage surge in electricity demand connection applications

Ofgem has published an update document in connection with the TMO4+ grid connection reforms, responding to a sharp rise in demand connection applications at both transmission and distribution level since November 2024, The rise in demand applications risks delaying viable, strategically important demand projects from connecting to the grid in a timely way. Working with government, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and network companies, Ofgem has outlined regulatory options to curate a more viable demand queue, enable faster connections and prioritise strategic demand projects.