GMB expresses concern over the closure of biggest gas storage plant risking Britain's energy security
1 min read
We must protect supply which provides 85% for heat to our homes, says union.
GMB, the union for energy workers, has expressed concern over the decision by British Gas owners Centrica to close the UK’s largest gas storage plant.
The facility in Rough, Yorkshire, which can hold up to nine days’ worth of gas and opened in 1985, will be closed down when its current reserves run out at some point in the next four or five years.
The closure has raised fears over the UK’s reliance on imports for its energy supply – concerns GMB has raised time and time again.
Stuart Fegan, GMB National Officer for Energy, said:
"The proposed closure of the Centrica gas storage facility at Rough in Yorkshire further demonstrates what GMB has been saying for years.
“We need to secure the UK’s gas powered energy supply - which provides 85% of heat to our homes.
“An announcement by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to invest £25m into two projects to test whether hydrogen can help meet our carbon commitments under the Paris Treaty is welcome.
“But in the real world gas is going to be needed to heat our homes whilst we transition to a low carbon economy.”
