Access to data

DECC aims to make as much information and data publicly available as soon as possible. Under current regulation data is usually available for release once a period of confidentiality has passed. All data release contracts are non-exclusive, and all data collected under the PON9b requirements will be considered for release.

DECC will always discuss any proposal to extend its current range of products:

contact Phil Harrison, Geoscience Data Manager, phil.harrison@decc.gsi.gov.uk or on (+44) (0) 300 068 6036
contact the DECC Core Store

Release dates

For the purpose of data release, a confidentiality period begins on the well completion date for well data, and the end of the calendar year when data acquisition was completed for seismic data. The relevant confidentiality periods are:

data acquired under offshore licences awarded up to and including the 19th round – four years
data acquired under offshore licences awarded in the 20th and subsequent rounds – three years (or full licence relinquishment)
data acquired under onshore licences awarded up to and including the 11th round – five years
data acquired under onshore licences awarded in the 12th and subsequent rounds – four years
spec seismic data acquired under offshore exploration licences – guidelines are in place (subject to annual review) for a 10-year confidentiality period