Glossary

A glossary of terms used in Solent Protection Society online website and printed newsletter articles.

Aquifer

The originally term commonly applied to a natural source of groundwater that could be tapped for wells and springs. An oil or gas aquifer is an underground layer of rock or sediment that holds and can transmit oil, natural gas, or both, often mixed with water. The porous rock in the aquifer allows the oil or gas to accumulate and be extracted for use. These aquifers are part of larger geological formations where natural resources are trapped beneath impermeable layers, preventing them from escaping to the surface.

Biofuels

Biofuels are renewable energy sources made from organic materials, such as plant biomass, agricultural and forestry residues, and even some types of waste. These fuels can be used as alternatives to fossil fuels in transportation, heating, and electricity generation. Common types include ethanol, often made from corn or sugarcane, and biodiesel, produced from vegetable oils or animal fats.

Carbon Capture (Usage) and Storage (CCS/CCUS)

Capturing carbon emissions from sources like power plants and storing them underground or in other secure locations. As the ExxonMobil consultation experience has shown, there are three essential components to any CCS project which should be considered, planned, costed and delivered together:

Carbon Capture

By various means, not yet proven at scale

CO2 Transport

By road/rail tanker, pipeline or maritime gas tankers

CO2 Storage

Reusing underground oil and gas aquifers or exploring for new possible geological sites.

The underlying technology has been in use in oil producing nations for several decades, using CO2 injection to help force out and thereby extend underground oil and gas reserves.

Carbon Offsetting

Investing in projects that reduce or capture emissions elsewhere, such as reforestation, to offset emissions that can’t be eliminated directly.

Carbon Sinks

Protecting and restoring forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems that naturally absorb carbon dioxide.

Decarbonisation

Decarbonisation is the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, typically from activities that rely on burning fossil fuels. The goal is to lower the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere to combat climate change by shifting to cleaner energy sources like wind, solar, or electric power, and improving energy efficiency.

A Development Consent Order (DCO) is the fast track application process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Unlike a standard planning application, which is typically handled by local authorities, a DCO combines multiple approvals, such as environmental permits, land rights and planning permission, into a single consent which is decided by the UK government, specifically by the relevant Secretary of State.

Emissions Reductions

This entails changing behaviours by:

Transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydropower)
Enhancing energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transport
Electrification of transportation and industry (e.g., electric vehicles)
Reducing waste and improving recycling
Reappraising personal energy consumption

Green Electricity

Green electricity is electricity produced from renewable energy sources that don’t deplete natural resources or harm the environment. Examples include solar, wind, hydropower, tidal and geothermal energy.

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by exploiting green electricity-powered processes to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a process called electrolysis. This method generates hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil-fuel based hydrogen production methods

Grey / Blue Hydrogen

Grey hydrogen is produced from natural gas, primarily methane, through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR). The process produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which through further reaction with steam can produce further hydrogen and CO2. If the CO2 is then captured for storage, the resulting hydrogen is termed ‘blue hydrogen’.

Greenwashing

Greenwashing is when a company pretends to be more environmentally friendly than it really is, to make people think they are helping the planet. In the case of the oil industry, the term is frequently applied to the industry’s use of CCS projects to offset the continued or even increased production of carbon fuels.

Habitats Regulations

The Habitats Regulations are designed to protect and conserve natural habitats and species in the UK. The regulations ensure the protection of sites that are internationally important for threatened habitats and species, known as European Sites. They provide a legal framework for species requiring strict protection, known as European Protected Species. These regulations are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring that development projects do not harm important natural habitats and species.

Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRAs)

These assessments are required for any plan or project that could impact a site with a recognised European or UK designated environmental classification. The process includes screening, appropriate assessment, and, if necessary, applying for an exemption if the project is deemed to have significant adverse effects.

Industrial Cluster

An industrial cluster is a group of related businesses and industries located in the same geographic area that work together or benefit from being close to each other. These clusters often share resources, such as suppliers, skilled workers, and infrastructure, which helps them become more efficient and competitive. Examples include tech hubs or manufacturing zones.

Managed Aquifer Recharge

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is the intentional process of replenishing groundwater aquifers with surface water or recycled water to improve water supply sustainability and quality. MAR aims to store excess water during wet periods for use during dry periods, control saltwater intrusion, and support ecosystem health.

Common methods include aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), where water is injected into an aquifer for later recovery, and aquifer storage, transfer, and recovery (ASTR), where water is injected in one location and recovered in another.

MAR helps in managing water resources more sustainably, reducing flood risks, and mitigating land subsidence.

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

A Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) is a large-scale development in the UK that is considered important for the country’s infrastructure. Projects defined in this way are deemed too large to be handled by local planning authorities and require approval from the national government through a special planning process. NSIPs are the subject of Development Consent Order applications rather than normal planning applications.

Net Zero

‘Net Zero’ refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (notably carbon dioxide and methane) emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. Achieving net zero means that any emissions produced by human activities are offset by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere, leading to no net increase in global emissions.

The four principal strategies for achieving ‘Net Zero’ are Emissions Reduction, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Natural Carbon Sinks and Carbon Offsetting. Each of these strategies contributes to balancing emissions to achieve a net zero target.

Reserved Matters Planning Applications

A reserved matters planning application is a type of application submitted after outline planning permission has been given. While outline planning permission establishes the general principles of a proposed development, it leaves certain details undecided. A reserved matters application is used to secure approval for these outstanding details, such as the design, appearance, landscaping, access, and details of environmental mitigation.