Subsurface Task Force

Promoting responsible use of our subsurface storage and energy resources to ensure energy security, reduce the UK’s emissions impact and deliver societal and economic value. The STF is a diverse and independent forum of subsurface experts, scientists and senior professionals in industry and academia, collaborating with regulators, policy makers and other key stakeholders towards an orderly transition to Net Zero 2050 for the UK. We deploy our expertise, subsurface knowledge, industry understanding and networks to act as an independent advisory group, providing integrated subsurface-related insight, guidance and recommendations to stakeholders including industry, regulators and government. In our priority areas of (1) geological storage; (2) domestic hydrocarbons; and (3) subsurface skills, we will advocate for outcomes which best balance the energy trilemma (energy security, affordability and sustainability) in line with our stated purpose. We focus primarily on early-stage activities including screening, exploration and appraisal of storage and hydrocarbon resources. We will also involve ourselves in development and operations related subsurface activities, especially in respect of carbon storage, to ensure efficient use of the subsurface through the asset life cycle.