Britain plans urgent investment in European gas pipeline capacity

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 00:15 · Archive

Britain's energy regulator is planning urgent investment to increase gas pipeline imports from continental Europe this winter.

Britain's energy regulator Ofgem is planning urgent investment to increase gas pipeline imports from continental Europe this winter. The plans follow concerns that, without intervention, Britain would face a 'negative supply margin' if a one-in-20-year cold day coincided with the loss of key gas infrastructure. The Belgian operator of the undersea Interconnector pipeline said it would cut planned export capacity to the UK because of soaring maintenance and operating costs.

Ofgem's consultation warned that a shortfall in gas supply would be a national emergency, potentially requiring power plants or factories to shut down, or in extreme cases homes being disconnected from the network. Britain has never experienced a network supply emergency, but diminishing domestic supply and the threat of Russian sabotage of undersea pipelines have raised energy security fears.

The National Energy System Operator stated Britain enters winter with sufficient gas supply capability to meet demand even under worst-case scenarios. However, it warned that tight days could occur, most likely during December or January, when heating demands spike while renewable generation drops. Neso said it may need to use system notices to signal additional power generation on these pressure points. Domestic gas production from the UK continental shelf is forecast to decline by around 5 per cent, continuing a long-term downward trend.

How it is being reported

• Will Britain have enough gas and electricity to get through winter months? Here’s what the analysis showsEurope is also heading into winter with lower gas storage than normal as a result of higher pricesThe Independent · 23 Oct, 00:01
• Winter energy supply secure but possible 'tight days' for electricity - grid operatorsBritain's energy supplies are secure for winter, national grid operators have said, despite expected higher gas demand at peak times and possible "tight days" for electricity.Sky News · 22 Oct, 16:16
• Britain pays for more gas pipeline capacity from Europe amid supply fearsWithout intervention, a crunch point for emergency supplies could come as soon as this winter under extreme circumstances, regulators warned.Politico Europe · 22 Oct, 11:02

In this story: Ofgem · Britain · Europe · National Energy System Operator · Belgium

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