Investigation launched into the future of Norfolk's Bacton Gas Terminal
Some hope the site could be repurposed for carbon capture or hydrogen production going forward
A local council has agreed to fund an investigation into the future of a major gas terminal in North Norfolk.
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) has agreed to establish a budget to commission independent research into the future challenges and opportunities at Bacton Gas Terminal.
The council has not revealed how big the budget will be.
The research follows suggestions that the site could be repurposed from natural gas supply into carbon capture and hydrogen production - amid fears the shift to net-zero could put jobs at the terminal at risk, as the UK gradually stops using fossil fuels.
Speaking at Monday’s NNDC cabinet meeting, Paul Heinrich, member for sustainable growth, said they needed to find out how the change will affect Bacton, what the wider implications are for the rest of Norfolk and how they can secure jobs long term.
He hoped it could lead to the council being able to decarbonise some of its functions – for example having a hydrogen-fuelled fleet of bin lorries.
But Steve Blatch, NNDC’s chief executive, said current proposals for the site suggested it would be used by industry rather than for domestic heating or local transport.
The cabinet voted unanimously in favour.