The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has issued a fine of £160,000 to oil and gas company Repsol for unauthorized flaring and venting of over 73 tonnes of gas at the Auk North, Halley, and Fulmar fields. Repsol, operating the Fulmar facility in the central North Sea, had short-term flare and vent consents in place since January 2019. However, the NSTA notified Repsol in July 2022 that no valid consents were in place for the mentioned fields, leading to the imposition of the fine.

Repsol has received the highest fine to date from the NSTA for flaring and venting without proper consent at Auk North, Halley, and Fulmar fields. The fine amounts to £160,000 and reflects the severity of the unauthorized emissions.

Repsol, as the operator of the Fulmar facility, had short-term flare and vent consents in effect since January 2019. These consents covered activities related to post-cessation of production on Fulmar, Auk North, and Halley. However, in July 2022, the NSTA notified Repsol that no valid consents were in place for the mentioned fields, emphasizing the need for compliance after the consent expiration on June 30, 2022.

The NSTA, through its Director of Regulation, Jane de Lozey, stressed the importance of reducing emissions and meeting regulatory requirements for maintaining the industry's social license to operate. Repsol has cooperated with the NSTA's investigation and taken corrective measures to prevent future breaches.

A spokesperson for Repsol acknowledged the unauthorized flaring and venting, stating, "We have accepted responsibility for unauthorized flaring and venting at our Auk North, Halley, and Fulmar fields. We cooperated fully with the NSTA’s investigation and have taken steps to mitigate the possibility of any future breaches."