UK gas imports hit record high
Industry body OGUK say it shows the need to manage the nation's transition to green energy, whilst minimising reliance on other countries.
Last updated 1st Sep 2021
Imports of gas into the UK hit a record high in the early part of 2021 according to a new study by Oil and Gas UK.
56% of the gas needed to power homes and keep power stations running between January and March was imported to the country.
Imports jumped up in 2010 and have remained high ever since.
The UK is now among Europe’s largest consumers of gas. About 23 million homes (about 85%) rely on it for central heating and hot water, as well as providing heat and power for business and generating 35% of the UK’s electricity.
The report also found that, overall, the UK still gets 73% of its total energy from gas and oil, with production from the UK Continental Shelf providing around 70% of this demand.
OGUK Chief Executive Deirdre Michie said: “Oil and gas provided nearly three-quarters of the UK’s total energy last year, and we will continue to rely on them to heat our homes, keep our lights on and create many of our everyday essentials from medicines to mobile phones to road surfaces.
"About 85% of UK homes are still heated by gas but imported gas hit a record high last year.”
It comes on the say day Greenpeace are challenging the UK Government in court over the granting of a license to BP - the first legal challenge of it's kind.
She added:
“We all know that change is needed so the question is how fast we make that change. This report shows the reality that cutting off the domestic production of oil and gas faster than we can reduce demand risks leaving us increasingly dependent on other countries that often generate higher emissions.
“Cutting back our greenhouse gas emissions will not be easy, but we will do it faster if we support the companies and people who have the skills to get us there. From energy workers to energy consumers, we all need a managed and fair transition which benefits everyone.
“While the UK continues to use oil and gas, we should make the most of the resources we produce here. The North Sea Transition Deal reduces the need for imported energy, makes us more responsible for our own emissions and supports UK companies and people who are already investing in cleaner energy.”