Minister opens gas storage hub
A NEW £435m gas storage facility has been officially opened in East Yorkshire.
Energy Minister Charles Hendry yesterday visited the site in Aldbrough developed by Scottish and Southern Energy and Statoil.
When fully commissioned it will provide around 7% of the total gas storage capacity in the UK at 330 million cubic metres of gas.
Mr Hendry said: “Together with our domestic production and imports, gas storage is a crucial part of ensuring we keep the lights on.
“This project is a fantastic example of how close co-operation with our neighbours can bring real benefits. The facility and workforce here in Aldbrough will make a vital contribution to the UK’s energy security.”
The site is made up if nine underground caverns formed using seawater to leech out salt deposits around 2km under the ground.
Alistair Phillips-Davies, generation and supply director atSSE, said: “This official opening confirms the contribution that the Aldbrough development is already making to gas security in the UK and confirms that the construction of another of SSE’s large capital projects is on course for completion in 2012.
“Ministers and officials are naturally keen to make sure that the UK’s gas supplies can withstand unusual infrastructure, political or weather events and have seen for themselves the benefits that a new facility like Aldbrough can bring.”
Kjetil Johnsen, managing director of Statoil (UK) Ltd, said: “The Aldbrough gas storage development represents part of Statoil’s continuing commitment to the UK. Not only are we the largest supplier of natural gas to the UK but we are actively investing to ensure security of supply is maintained and the demand for flexibility is managed.
“The UK needs to ensure it can access reliable and flexible sources of gas for decades to come in order to efficiently meet its climate commitments. Aldbrough gas storage is an important piece of the energy puzzle for Statoil, SSE and the UK.”
