UK CCS Network Code Framework (Planned)

The CCS Network Code gives effect to the CO2 Transport and Storage Licence conditions: it sets the commercial, operational and technical arrangements between Users and transport and storage companies, plus governance, replacing ad-hoc negotiation with a code comparable to gas and electricity network codes. DESNZ consulted on updated Heads of Terms from December 2023 to February 2024 (28 responses) and published a government response; the full-form CCS Network Code followed in January 2025. An Initial Code covers the Track-1 networks, with accession through the Code Agreement at Final Investment Decision and later changes via the Section B modification procedure (Third Party Participants and Ofgem-designated non-code parties included). Section C governs connection applications through a government-led selection process for supported users. The July 2026 Transition Access Agreement position statement treats the Code as operative (e.g. Registered Capacity Financial Security at £0 for initial users), and a 2026 consultation on fair access to CO2 infrastructure reviews the overlap between the Code and the 2011 Access to Infrastructure Regulations.