Yorkshire gas storage site faces closure threatening 450 jobs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

The Rough gas storage facility off East Yorkshire could close by March without a new funding agreement.

The Rough gas storage facility, located 18 miles off the coast at Easington, faces possible closure by March without a new funding agreement. Centrica, the facility's operator, has warned of the closure threat. The site can accommodate half of the UK's gas storage supply and is currently empty due to a funding dispute with the Government.

Unite the union warns the closure would directly eliminate 100 skilled jobs at the facility and a further 350 positions in the supply chain. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: 'The Rough storage facility is essential to the energy security of the UK. Threats of closure are endangering jobs and our ability to keep the lights on and heat homes.'

Unite argues the site forms part of the UK's critical infrastructure and should be protected accordingly. Simon Coop, Unite's national officer for energy, said the Government needs to work with all parties to secure the future of Rough, and 'if that is not possible then Unite will push for the government to keep the site open at all costs including the option of public ownership'. The union also believes the site could play a role in the UK's transition to net zero, with potential for future conversion to hydrogen storage.

How it is being reported

• Warning that Yorkshire gas storage site may close putting 450 jobs at riskFears are growing over the possible closure of a major gas storage facility off the East Yorkshire coast.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 15 Oct, 11:30
• Warning that Yorkshire gas storage site may close putting 450 jobs at riskFears are growing over the possible closure of a major gas storage facility off the East Yorkshire coast.The Press (York) · 15 Oct, 11:30

In this story: Rough · East Yorkshire · Centrica · Unite · UK Government · Sharon Graham · Simon Coop

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