Search Legislation

Infrastructure Act 2015

Commentary on Sections

Part 6 – Energy

Petroleum and geothermal energy in deep-level land

Section 48: Interpretation

278.Section 48 provides for the relevant definitions and interpretation of the sections about the right of use.

279.Subsection (1) specifies that the 300m depth limit applies from the surface, which is measured vertically above the point where works take place. Buildings, other structures, and water are not taken into account when determining the location of the surface.

Subsection (2) provides definitions of “deep geothermal energy”, “deep-level land”, “landward area”, “relevant energy undertaking”, “right of use”, “specified” and “substance”. For the purpose of these sections “landward area” is defined as parts of landward area in England and Wales or beneath water (other than waters adjacent to Scotland).

280.Subsection (3) provides that the Secretary of State may make regulations under section 4 of the Petroleum Act 1998 to amend the definition of “landward area” for the purposes of these sections.

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

Close

Explanatory Notes

Text created by the government department responsible for the subject matter of the Act to explain what the Act sets out to achieve and to make the Act accessible to readers who are not legally qualified. Explanatory Notes were introduced in 1999 and accompany all Public Acts except Appropriation, Consolidated Fund, Finance and Consolidation Acts.

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources