Resumption of operation for a significant gas storage facility in the UK during winter season reported

UK Government Explores Backup Strategies for Gas Supplies Amidst European Crisis

In response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and potential disruptions in gas supplies from Russia, the UK government is reportedly considering backup plans to secure its energy supply.

One of the key strategies being discussed is the extension of the operating life of nuclear power stations, including Hinkley Point C in Somerset. However, an EDF insider stated that such an extension would not be cost-free. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is involved in the process of assessing the safety case for this extension.

The timing for extending Hinkley Point C's life is extremely limited, as the closure date is set for July 2022. The government has been in touch with EDF to see what scope is available to prolong the life of the nuclear plant.

Meanwhile, Centrica's facility in Yorkshire was mothballed in 2017 due to a lack of government subsidies. The federal government is in talks with Centrica about re-opening a gas storage space center in Yorkshire to help boost the UK's energy reserves.

The UK is reliant on Norway for a third of its gas supplies, and any interruption to the international gas market will have a "knock-on effect" on the UK, according to the minister. The government may also be prepared to contribute to re-establishing a critical gas storage facility to ensure a stable energy supply.

In addition to the UK's reliance on Norway, the country also imports liquefied gas from Qatar and the United States. There has been an excess of liquefied gas arriving in the UK in recent weeks, which may help to alleviate concerns about potential gas shortages.

The EU depends on Russia for 40% of its gas supplies, and the potential shutdown of all gas supplies to Europe is a "reasonable worst case scenario" that the talks aim to prepare for. The UK gets a small percentage of natural gas from Russia, but any disruption to the international gas market could have significant consequences for the UK's energy supply.

The minister, Chris Philp, defined the backup plans as a "reasonable precautionary procedure" to address gas supply disruptions from Russia and Ukraine. The talks are part of backup strategies being considered ahead of winter to ensure the UK's energy security.

Any expansion to the operating life of a nuclear power station requires a robust safety case created by the operator. The government is waiting for evidence on the business case and safety effects of such an expansion before making a decision. The minister's comments on the backup plans were made on a radio interview with Times Radio.

Similarly, the federal government in Germany is in talks with energy firm VNG (Verbundnetz Gas AG) about reopening a large gas storage facility to secure against a possible shutdown of gas supplies from Russia. These discussions are planned to resume in autumn 2025.

In conclusion, the UK government is taking proactive measures to ensure energy security amidst the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The backup plans, which include the extension of the life of nuclear power stations and the re-opening of gas storage facilities, are designed to prepare for potential disruptions in the international gas market. The government is waiting for evidence on the business case and safety effects of these plans before making a decision.

Resumption of operation for a significant gas storage facility in the UK during winter season reported