Decommissioning offshore installations: guidance and associated policy proposals
This consultation is open for responses
Respond to this consultationSummary
OPRED consults on draft guidance for derogations from OSPAR Decision 98/3, which requires removal of offshore installations after use. The consultation, extended to 14 November 2025, covers how decommissioning proposals will be assessed and includes policy changes on offshore oil and gas decommissioning.
Why it matters
This is regulatory housekeeping for oil and gas decommissioning rather than energy market reform. The guidance affects legacy offshore infrastructure removal costs but does not change electricity market structure or grid access.
Key facts
- •Consultation deadline extended to 14 November 2025
- •Covers derogations from OSPAR Decision 98/3 on offshore installation removal
- •Includes policy changes on oil and gas infrastructure decommissioning
Timeline
Areas affected
Memo
> #### Update 15 October > > The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) has extended the deadline for responses to this consultation at the request of stakeholders. The deadline for responses is now 14 November 2025. The UK Government has prepared draft guidance to provide clarity on how proposals for a derogation from OSPAR Decision 98/3 will be considered. This consultation invites stakeholders’ comments on this draft guidance. It also invites stakeholders’ comments on proposed policy changes on decommissioning offshore oil and gas infrastructure. Read the [consultation document on GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/decommissioning-offshore-installations-guidance-and-associated-policy-proposals).