This latest document from National Grid, which highlights increasing supply pattern variability, is another indicator of how reliant the UK is on gas. With the use of coal falling and intermittent renewables increasingly becoming part of the energy mix, gas has become our key balancing supply.
Indeed, we are becoming more and more reliant on gas, and it is therefore essential to store as much as possible – yet Rough, the largest flexible gas storage facility in the country, is closing. Increases in peak demand – such as when we experience very cold conditions like the Beast from the East – make us even more vulnerable.
While LNG terminals help, the Government nonetheless needs a strong plan of action to compensate for the loss of Rough. Furthermore, there should be more focus on reducing our consumption of gas, not just electricity.”