The UK’s remaining confirmed and possible oil and gasoline reserves have been estimated at 2.9 billion barrels of oil equal (Bboe) on the finish of 2024, in response to the most recent Reserves and Assets Report revealed by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).
Whereas complete reserves declined barely year-on-year, the report highlights a major 31% enhance in potential assets, now estimated at 4.6 Bboe, largely resulting from new alternatives recognized below the thirty third Offshore Licensing Spherical. The UK additionally holds an estimated 6.2 Bboe in contingent assets, representing found however undeveloped petroleum that might be matured by means of new funding and area growth exercise.
Thus far, a complete of 47.7 Bboe has been produced from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). In 2024, manufacturing totaled 401 MMboe, with two new area growth plans including lower than 50 MMboe to reserves. The NSTA famous that restricted exploration drilling final yr—solely 4 wells, with lower than 100 MMboe found—underscores the necessity for continued funding to progress drill-ready prospects and maintain the UK’s offshore manufacturing base.
The report additionally reaffirms that the UK’s petroleum combine stays roughly 70% oil and 30% gasoline. The NSTA mentioned managing remaining reserves effectively might be crucial to sustaining vitality safety and guaranteeing worth restoration from the mature North Sea basin because the nation transitions towards internet zero.
Picture: Offshore Energies UK (OEUK)
