The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has launched a new digital and data strategy to strengthen the UK’s energy sector, improve regulatory oversight, and support the transition to cleaner energy.

The plan focuses on upgrading digital systems, improving data governance, and creating flexible, high-quality datasets that are easy to access and share. The NSTA says this “data-first” approach will help businesses make better decisions, enhance energy security, and reduce emissions.

Key elements include modernizing legacy technology, using automation and AI, and improving data flow across the organization. The strategy also emphasizes skills, culture, and collaboration to make the most of digital tools.

The NSTA has already set up an online signposting portal connecting users to multiple offshore data sources, and is developing an AI chatbot and enhanced geospatial viewer to help users access and navigate North Sea data more efficiently.

Nic Granger, the NSTA’s Chief Information and Financial Officer, says easy access to reliable information is essential for good decision-making and for supporting the UK’s energy and environmental goals.

The NSTA regulates oil and gas, offshore hydrogen, and carbon storage, helping the UK Continental Shelf transition while ensuring operators reduce emissions and maintain energy security.