The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has enhanced the National Data Repository to make subsurface and technical information far easier to find and use, with notable benefits for carbon capture and storage research and project planning. The upgrade introduces a free text search function that works in a similar way to a web search engine, allowing users from industry, academia and government to type plain language queries and quickly locate relevant data.
This improved search capability is a significant step forward for professionals evaluating potential carbon dioxide storage sites in the North Sea. The repository holds over 1.6 petabytes of information collected from oil and gas operations since the 1960s, including well logs, seismic records and other subsurface files. Historically, many of these records were tagged using technical codes that could make locating specific information difficult. The new system uses more intuitive tags and AI-supported search to make data easier to find and understand, even for those new to the repository.
Nic Granger, NSTA Chief Information and Financial Officer, highlighted the importance of accessible data for decision making and the energy transition: “Access to high-quality data is a fundamental requirement for making sound business decisions, and the NDR is a massively important resource for the UK in terms of energy security and supporting the energy transition. This project helps to make this vital information more accessible to more people and is, therefore, an important step forward.”
Researchers and developers working on CO2 storage will benefit from faster evaluation of subsurface conditions, improved geological characterisation and more efficient project planning. Faster access to relevant information can help reduce the time needed to assess storage formations, model reservoir behaviour and plan monitoring strategies.
While the improved repository functionality also supports other energy transition activities such as offshore wind feasibility and decommissioning planning, the enhanced efficiency for CCS site evaluation stands out as a lasting advantage. The free text search is now available in the National Data Repository, allowing users to explore historical North Sea data more efficiently.
Photo courtesy of NSTA
