UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK government is still confident that there will be sufficient gas and electricity this winter, in spite of Centrica’s alerts regarding low gas storage capacities.
Centrica’s CEO, Chris O’Shea, highlighted the growing demand for energy storage as the UK transitions to a clean energy system by 2030.
Efficient energy storage will be essential when renewable resources such as solar and wind are not available.
As reported by The Guardian, he said, “The UK’s gas storage levels are concerningly low. We are an outlier from the rest of Europe when it comes to the role of storage in our energy system and we are now seeing the implications of that.”
The corporation reopened operations at the Rough gas storage facility in the North Sea after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The facility had been closed for five years because the government had not provided adequate funding.
Mr O’Shea added, “We need to think of storage as a very valuable insurance policy. Like any insurance policy, it may not always be needed, but having more capacity helps protect against worst-case scenarios.”
A spokesperson from Downing Street stated, “Our mission to deliver clean power by 2030 will replace our dependency on unstable fossil fuel markets with clean, homegrown power controlled in Britain, which is the best way to protect billpayers and boost our energy independence.”
No 10 dismissed the rumors that Britain was nearing an energy blackout, calling the reports false.
On Thursday, the energy company announced that gas storage levels in the UK decreased by 26% from last year, resulting in a capacity of 50%.
A gas shortage in the UK could drive up costs and create operational challenges. As energy bills rise, manufacturers are cutting gas use by 5-10%, leading to a significant drop in output, especially in energy-heavy sectors like chemicals, where production has fallen by more than a third in recent years.
With a capacity for only 12 days of average gas demand or 7.5 days during peak winter season, Britain has some of the smallest gas storage levels in Europe.
In contrast, Germany can store gas for 89 days, France for 103 days, and the Netherlands for as much as 123 days.
This Thursday, the UK faced its coldest night of the winter season, and additional freezing temperatures are anticipated in the coming days.
The Met Office reports that Friday will signal the beginning of a change in weather. Nonetheless, it is expected to have a restricted effect, with sporadic rain, sleet, and snow forecast for parts of southwest Britain.
The UK plans to enhance its dependence on renewable energy. Predictions predict that by 2025, renewables will make up more than half of the nation’s electricity. This change aligns with larger targets to decrease carbon emissions and promote energy security.
