MCC Economics

DESNZ Oil and Gas Consultation Analysis

Explore our case study to see how MCC supported the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in analyzing over 55,000 responses to the Climate Compatibility Checkpoint consultation for North Sea oil and gas licensing. Our comprehensive review and thematic analysis provided key insights to shape the government’s policy response, ensuring a data-driven approach to future licensing decisions.

What the Client Needed?

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), formerly known as BEIS, required expert assistance in reviewing and analyzing public consultation responses for the Climate Compatibility Checkpoint for Future Oil and Gas Licensing. This checkpoint was introduced to evaluate whether future oil and gas licensing rounds align with the UK’s climate objectives, net-zero commitments, and energy security needs. The department needed a systematic approach to processing responses, quantitative and thematic analysis, a detailed view of cited documentation and a final consultation report.

How we Helped them?

Climate Compatibility Checkpoint for Oil and Gas Licensing

MCC played a critical role in leading the consultation analysis, delivering:

1. Comprehensive Data Processing & Review

Processed 55,000+ responses, including standardized campaign submissions and unique stakeholder inputs.
Used data extraction techniques, including Python-based processing, to organize and categorize responses efficiently.
Reviewed evidence cited in responses, ensuring that all claims were cross-checked with reliable sources.

2. Thematic & Quantitative Analysis

Conducted thematic analysis to identify major areas of support and opposition across key questions.
Summarized closed-question responses, highlighting the percentage of respondents supporting different checkpoint tests.
Analyzed stakeholder perspectives on the Paris Agreement, energy security, investment risks, emissions benchmarks, and economic impact.

3. Policy Insights & Reporting

Authored the final government consultation report, providing structured summaries of stakeholder positions.
Outlined key areas where industry and public perspectives aligned or conflicted, allowing DESNZ to refine its policy approach.
Provided recommendations on policy trade-offs, balancing climate concerns, energy security, and economic considerations.

4. Addressing Key Consultation Themes

Through our analysis, we identified key recurring themes in responses, including:

Climate concerns: Many respondents cited the Paris Agreement, Climate Pact, and Net Zero commitments, arguing against further licensing.
Energy security arguments: Some respondents supported continued licensing, emphasizing domestic production over reliance on imports.
Checkpoint test criteria: Varied opinions emerged on how licensing decisions should be assessed, with debates on Scope 3 emissions, international benchmarking, and sector progress in energy transition technologies.

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I was delighted that MCC's work was completed on time, and within budget, helping us deliver important changes and improvements, to the benefit of our stakeholders. MCC's report is published on the CCC website.

- Bea Natzler
Team Leader at Climate Change Committee, UK

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Head of Nuclear Policy at Ofgem, UK

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- Leila N. Nasr
Section Head at Department of Energy, Abu Dhabi

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Head of Environment in the Energy Infrastructure Planning Policy, UK

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DESNZ Oil and Gas Consultation Analysis

What the Client Needed?