Fears of rolling blackouts have been sparked after it was revealed that the UK only stores enough gas supplies to last for five days. This stark contrast to our European neighbors, who have an average of 173 days of storage, has raised concerns about energy security in the country.
Gas crucial for UK power generation
Gas currently accounts for 40% of UK power generation and is essential for maintaining a stable energy supply. However, analysts have warned that the closure of Centrica's Rough facility in Yorkshire, the UK's largest storage site, increases the risk of winter energy price hikes.
Labour criticizes Department for Energy and Net Zero
Labour MPs have criticized the Department for Energy and Net Zero for their complacency on the issue. The party argues that with more storage, the UK could have purchased gas at lower prices and stored it for use during winter when demand is higher. The current low levels of storage make the country vulnerable to volatile global gas prices and dependent on costly imports.
Government defends its position
The government spokesperson defended their position, stating that the UK is less reliant on storage thanks to its domestic gas supplies. They criticized Labour's plan to shut down the North Sea, the largest store of gas near the UK, and argued that it would leave the country dependent on importing dirtier fuels and building new storage facilities at unnecessary costs.
Despite the criticism, the government partially reopened the Centrica facility with about 20% capacity in October 2022.
Shadow Energy Secretary Ed Miliband responded to the government's defense, stating that the Conservatives' approach to energy security undermines Britain's stability. He emphasized Labour's plan to make the UK a clean energy superpower, relying on home-grown clean power sources.
