Morecambe Net Zero (MNZ) is Spirit Energy’s project to convert the depleted South and North Morecambe gas fields into a state-of-the-art carbon storage facility. With the potential to be one of the UK’s largest carbon stores, the MNZ project is capable of storing 1 Gt of CO2. Partnering with the Peak Cluster, the project aims to decarbonise 40% of the UK’s cement and lime industry.

Quintessa has supported Spirit Energy and the MNZ project since 2021, when we helped to prepare a preliminary subsurface risk and hazard assessment for the CS Licence application. Since then, Quintessa has continued to work with Spirit Energy through the Appraise Phase of the CS010 Licence including:

• preparation of the Early Risk Assessment for CS010 and support through North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) workshops and addressing Peer Review feedback (2022-2024);
• updating the Risk Assessment as required by Spirit Energy’s CS Licence at the end of the Assess Phase, focussing particularly on legacy well risks (2025); and
• preparing for the production of a Preliminary Monitoring Plan and a Corrective Measures Feasibility Study in the Assess Phase (2024-2025).

Quintessa’s approach to risk assessment uses a process that is consistent, transparent and traceable, using multiple lines of evidence and staying abreast of the current guidelines. This approach was welcomed by both the NSTA and peer reviewers at the Early Risk Assessment stage.

Now approaching the start of the Assess Phase of the CS Licence, Quintessa will continue to support Spirit Energy with the MNZ project through further updates of the Containment Risk Assessment, Monitoring Plan and Corrective Measures Plans.