A new open dataset to benefit onshore geoscience research
Data from deep onshore hydrocarbon wells is being released on an open access basis to help meet the UK’s net zero targets.
15/06/2023![Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2020](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GeoIndex_NSTA.jpg)
The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has authorised the release of all the well data for onshore hydrocarbon boreholes held by BGS in the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC). Unlike borehole data from the North Sea, which has been available free of charge for some time, the data relating to these onshore boreholes was previously only available via data release agents. It is now available free of charge to industry, academics and the public via the BGS Geoindex, providing a new, free resource that will add to the knowledge necessary to meet net zero objectives.
Why is the data significant?
Few boreholes have been drilled to these depths (over 1 km) onshore in the UK and are almost exclusively a consequence of oil, gas or coal exploration. The oil and gas wells deeply penetrate the crust under the UK mainland and are geographically widespread across the UK.
Unlike coal wells, the oil and gas drilling data is better structured and better conforms to global standards of deep geological and deep geophysical data collection.
Most of the direct knowledge and samples that BGS has access to about the deep geology of the UK are based upon this data.
Why is the data being released?
Data from these deep hydrocarbon wells forms the best dataset to understand the geology of the deep UK subsurface. Widening access to the dataset could enhance the knowledge needed to meet net zero objectives:
- assessing the suitability of UK rocks for extraction of geothermal heat
- storing surplus energy from renewables and waste materials such as carbon dioxide
- identifying potential new mineral resources.
The data has been provided to BGS under regulation PON 9B, which sets out the records and samples requirements for onshore surveys and wells licensed by the NSTA. The data was previously held for BGS internal science use only, so this release widens the community of scientists who can access this important dataset. It includes the data for all boreholes that have been released (four years post-drilling) and for which BGS holds original geophysical data.
![NSTA-geoindex-onshore-record](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NSTA-geoindex-onshore-record-960x645.webp)
Example of onshore hydrocarbon well data on the BGS GeoIndex. Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2020
Data is being released using an Open Government Licence, which allows users to copy, publish, distribute and transmit the information, adapt the information and exploit the information commercially and non-commercially, provided that they acknowledge the source of the information.
The NSTA has collected data from more than 2200 onshore wells drilled in the search for oil and gas. Historically, half of that data were released through the British Geological Survey (BGS) with the rest provided by Data Release Agents on behalf of the NSTA. The new arrangement with the BGS means that all onshore hydrocarbon well data will be available from BGS. This free access to the unique onshore data will support the investment and innovation necessary to enable the ongoing energy transition.
Alan Poole, North Sea Transition Authority Geoscientist
BGS GeoIndex
The data is available via the BGS GeoIndex on a layer called ‘Onshore UK hydrocarbon well data’ and currently includes over 60 000 logs from 1200 wells and the number is still increasing. All related records in the BGS Borehole Index (which contains summary borehole metadata) have also been marked as open, releasing over 2000 records that were previously marked as confidential in the index.
About the authors
![Default-staff-profile](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Default-staff-profile.jpg)
Andrew Kingdon
Head of BGS Digital Laboratories
![Alison Fernie](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Alison-Fernie.jpg)
Alison Steven
Data Accession Pipeline Manager
Relative topics
Related news
![Landslide aftermath. © Timo Volz, Unsplash](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/landslide-aftermath-timo-volz-unsplash.webp)
Studying multi-hazards from space
25/07/2024
A new European Space Agency-funded project will study the effect earthquakes have on occurrences of other natural hazards in the long-term.
![Scottish river in low flow. © Paul Glendell](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/scottish-river-in-low-flow.webp)
Warnings for Scottish farmers and distillers as new data indicates climate change may double number of droughts
23/07/2024
The agricultural and distilling sectors could face significant challenges after research finds the number of droughts in Scotland may double in the next 25 years.
![North Sea Transition Authority](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NSTA_image.jpg)
National Hydrocarbons Data Archive files now accessible through the National Data Repository
15/07/2024
Offshore well and survey information held within BGS’s archive have now been transferred to the North Sea Transition Authority’s National Data Repository to enable greater access.
![Seabed geomorphology from part of the central area of the Offshore East Anglia seabed map. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/seabed-geomorphology-offshore-East-Anglia-seabed-map-feature.webp)
New research reveals the secrets of the seabed off the East Anglian coast
11/07/2024
New geological map will help in the hunt for new renewable energy opportunities whilst protecting delicate marine ecosystems.
![GitHub logo](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GitHub_logo.jpg)
Update released for BGS open-source database software, ETL Helper
09/07/2024
The software tool helps simplify the process of data transfer into and out of databases.
![Screenshot of the AGS4 file utilities tool and API with map markers over the UK.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ags4-file-utilities-and-api.webp)
Update to BGS’s AGS file utilities tool released
19/06/2024
BGS has released significant updates to its online tool for validating geotechnical data held as AGS files. The update includes improvements to the tool’s user interface and the ability to convert AGS data into MS Excel files.
![Murrayfield Stadium located in Edinburgh, Scotland - © Thomas Feige / iStock.com](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Murrayfield_Stadium.jpg)
Quake it off: Taylor Swift concerts shake Edinburgh
13/06/2024
Seismometers around Edinburgh were triggered by the rapturous Murrayfield crowds over the weekend.
![Visitors taking part in the demonstration in BGS’s conference suit. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/P1051253-sized.webp)
BGS opens its doors to visitors at its Open Day in Keyworth
12/06/2024
BGS hosted its bi-annual Open Day on 8 June 2024, welcoming more than 1000 visitors to its headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.
![Geologists at St Cyrus Beach. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_20240222_122824.webp)
BGS to update geological maps of Strathmore
10/06/2024
A three-year project has begun to revise geological maps of Strathmore, which were last surveyed nearly 100 years ago.
![Technical reports released by BGS. BGS © UKRI](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSSS8523-resized.webp)
BGS’s National Geoscience Data Centre releases over 8000 technical reports
05/06/2024
The technical reports, covering the full spectrum of BGS activities and subjects, were produced between 1950 and 2000.
![Hemerdon mine, Devon. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/tungsten-hemerdon-mine-hemerdon-devon-tungsten-west.webp)
UK Minerals Yearbook 2023 now available to download
04/06/2024
The latest edition provides essential information about the production, consumption and trade of UK minerals up to 2022.
![Map showing rock type and lithology](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/data-from-bgs-geology-625k.webp)
BGS announces collaboration with Ordnance Survey
29/05/2024
Ordnance Survey and BGS have teamed up to add a range of geological data products to the OS Data Hub, making it easier for users to access and use geospatial data.