Homegrown Gas is Vital for UK Energy Security
The North East Scotland Operators (NESO) have warned about the critical need for secure gas supplies in the UK, highlighting the fact that the country nearly ran out of gas in 2013 within hours of a shortage.
Approximately 85% of the roughly 30 million UK homes rely on gas for heating and cooking, making gas an essential resource.
Gas also accounts for more than half of the electricity base load on cold, windless days, underscoring its foundational role in the energy mix.
Key infrastructure such as the Ormen Lange gas field and the Langeled pipeline are critical points of failure for UK gas security.
To avoid shortages, options include maintaining responsible domestic gas production or increasing imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from countries like Qatar and the US. However, LNG imports carry a higher carbon intensity and risk of price spikes.
The government is encouraged to provide incentives to support domestic gas exploration and production as the UK continues its transition away from fossil fuels.
Recent relaxation of policy via transitional energy certificates is seen as a positive step, and the removal of the windfall tax would further contribute to boosting domestic gas investment.
