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Practice Note: The Energy White Paper—an overview [Archived]—has been archived and is not maintained.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

Commission launches call for evidence on removing barriers to power purchase agreements

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence on removing barriers to power purchase agreements (PPAs), as part of preparations for a Commission recommendation planned for Q2 2026. The initiative aims to help dismantle regulatory and non-regulatory barriers that continue to limit the signature and use of PPAs in some Member States, despite their role in funding new clean energy infrastructure and providing long-term price stability for electricity producers and buyers. The Commission’s assessment will focus on identifying remaining and additional barriers under current EU legislation, including those affecting the development of renewable energy installations, such as permitting requirements, and those impeding the efficient functioning of electricity markets. The consultation closes on 20 February 2026.

Ofgem finalises heat networks registration guidance following consultation

Ofgem has published its decision and final registration guidance for heat networks following consultation on the draft. Stakeholders broadly supported the guidance but sought further explanation on complex and multi-party arrangements, ‘substantial control’, connected networks and proportionality for small or self-supply heat networks. Ofgem has amended the guidance by adding further detail and examples for self-supply, industrial and shared ground loop heat networks, clarifying evidence requirements and confirming registration will be managed through a digital service. The final guidance confirms a non-prescriptive, proportionate approach for networks with multiple operators, with nominated operators acting as the primary regulatory contact without assuming liability for others.

DESNZ publishes terms of reference for independent NDA review

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has commissioned and published the terms of reference for an independent review of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). The review has been required following the last formal review in 2021 and to meet a condition set by His Majesty’s Treasury in the 2025–26 Spending Review. Its purpose is to provide assurance to His Majesty’s government that the NDA is performing effectively, is properly governed, and delivers value for money. It will also take account of Scottish Ministers’ formal role in NDA governance and the Authority’s responsibility for the safe and secure clean‑up of the UK’s civil nuclear legacy.

DESNZ announces agreement with European partners on joint offshore wind projects

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has announced that the UK has signed an agreement with European partners to cooperate on the development of offshore wind projects in the North Sea. The agreement, known as the Hamburg Declaration, was signed at the Future of the North Seas Summit held in Hamburg. It commits North Sea countries to delivering 100 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity through joint clean energy projects. Participating countries include Germany, Norway, France, Denmark, Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.