8. CO2 storage activities
From the reporting year 2022, Footprint has been adapted to also report on drilling activity related to wells for appraisal and operation of CO2 storage sites. Drilling of such wells is not defined as petroleum activity, but there are significant similarities with "normal" drilling, and the NEA grants permits for CO2 storage activity based on the same framework as petroleum activity. Therefore, an agreement was reached between the operators and the NEA that these well activities will also be reported in Footprint.
Currently, activities are limited but are expected to increase as new storage licences are awarded. In 2024, 6 exploration licences were granted in the North Sea under the CO2 storage regulations on the NCS, bringing the total to 1 exploitation licence (EL) and 12 exploration licences (EXL). Drilling of one of the exploration wells for the Smeaheia licence (EXL 002) commenced on 24 December 2024. Apart from this, no wells – neither exploration wells nor injection wells – were drilled in connection with these licences in 2024.