OPRED has issued a clear compliance note to offshore operators across the North Sea, confirming a new UK Emissions Trading Scheme Activity Level Reporting template and a 31 March 2026 filing deadline. The update was published on 20 January 2026 on GOV.UK. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

Circulated on behalf of the UK ETS Authority, the three‑page OPRED note says the template is now available on GOV.UK and sets out who should use which version. Type 1 sites should complete the online ALR; Type 2 sites will receive a manual template via their regulator. If data have not yet been returned, operators should rely on the version previously submitted via METS and then add 2025 figures. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

In OPRED’s wording, “the Activity Level Report (ALR) submission deadline is 31 March 2026”. The document explains the split: Type 1 covers installations that received free allocation in 2021–2025 without a change to electricity generator status; Type 2 applies to new recipients from 2026, sites losing generator status, or where restrictions do not apply under Article 2b. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

For the 2026 scheme year, OPRED confirms the historical activity level used to calculate free allocation is based solely on 2023. Operators are told to enter the 2023 activity level from their baseline report into the HAL field of the ALR template. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

The note also tightens expectations around Monitoring Methodology Plans: “Operators must use data sources representing the highest achievable accuracy”. Where that standard is not feasible or would involve unreasonable costs, OPRED expects a clear justification or the Authority’s ‘unreasonable costs’ tool to accompany the MMP. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

For crews and contractors in Aberdeen, Teesside and along the Humber, the message is simple: there’s a tight window to get metering, finance and environment teams pulling together. Miss the admin and allowances can be delayed-never welcome on yards where order books rely on predictable schedules.

OPRED sits within the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and has its headquarters in Aberdeen, working closely with the North Sea Transition Authority and the Health and Safety Executive-useful context for anyone chasing clarifications this week. (gov.uk)

Stepping back, the UK ETS replaced the EU system on 1 January 2021 and currently covers heavy industry, power and aviation. The Authority plans to extend coverage to maritime from 2026 and energy‑from‑waste from 2028; a consultation on international voyages closes today, 20 January 2026. (gov.uk)

Remember the wider compliance cycle too: verified emissions reports are due by 31 March each year and allowances must be surrendered by 30 April. The ALR timetable sits inside that familiar rhythm for operators. (gov.uk)

If you’re classed as Type 2 and have not received the manual ALR, OPRED asks you to get in touch. Policy questions go to the UK ETS Authority team. The note lists OPRED@energysecurity.gov.uk and emissions.trading@energysecurity.gov.uk for contact. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)