UKOOG comments on the closure of the Rough storage facility

20 June 2017

Centrica Storage have today announced that they are to close their Rough facility permanently.

Our first thoughts are to the staff and suppliers that will be impacted by this.

Rough has had a unique place in the UK energy system. It has made up 70% of all UK gas storage, able to hold nine days’ worth of UK gas demand, and throughout its service has been able to supply 10% of peak gas demand predominantly in the very cold months of winter.

The short-term solution for the UK will be to increase gas imports, mostly via ship, from places such as Qatar. As we have seen from recent events, this not only has a negative economic impact to the UK and global emissions consequences, but is also politically risky when it comes to ensuring our security of supply.

Ken Cronin, Chief Executive of UKOOG, said: “The solution for the UK in the medium term cannot be to transport gas across oceans and continents. The UK needs to ensure that whatever gas replaces that of Rough comes from sources that can deliver the same high levels of environmental and regulatory standards. Only the development of the UK’s onshore resources just a mile under our feet can do this, simultaneously maximising the employment and economic benefits that come with producing our energy at home.”

Contacts

Newgate Communications: Deborah Saw/Andrew Turner
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About UKOOG:

UKOOG is the representative body for the UK onshore oil and gas industry, including exploration, production and storage. The organisation's objectives are to enhance the profile of the onshore industry, promote better and more open dialogue with key stakeholders, deliver industry wide initiatives and programmes and to ensure standards in safety, the environment and operations are maintained to the highest possible level. Membership is open to all companies active in the onshore industry including those involved in the supply chain. www.ukoog.org.uk