Project Colocate: Part 1: Context and Framing

Part 1 of the Project Colocate report outlines the context and rationale for investigating colocation of offshore wind (OW) farms and carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The UK’s transition to Net Zero emissions will require rapid expansion of both OW and CCS, amidst intensifying competition for limited offshore space and increasing spatial conflicts among OW, CCS, oil and gas, and other marine stakeholders. The Offshore Colocation Forum is a multi-stakeholder body tasked with identifying technical and operational solutions to enable coexistence of OW and CCS projects. This study of the East Irish Sea and Outer Moray Firth highlights operational and regulatory challenges arising from overlapping interests, including access for drilling rigs, vessels, and helicopters, as well as the need for robust monitoring, measurement and verification (MMV) of CCS sites. Project Colocate has systematically assessed the geological, technical, and regulatory factors influencing colocation feasibility. The report concludes that early stakeholder engagement, co-ordinated spatial planning, technological innovation and an integrated, cross-sector licensing framework can optimise use of the UKCS for renewable energy generation and secure carbon storage while helping to assure the UK’s continued progress towards decarbonisation and Net Zero.