UK in Talks to Reopen Giant Gas Storage Facility

The government is negotiating with energy firm Centrica to reopen a massive gas storage facility in the event that European supplies from Russia are cut off. The discussions are part of contingency plans being developed ahead of the winter in Ukraine. Centrica's Yorkshire facility was closed in 2017 after the government refused to subsidise it.

According to the BBC, the government may now be willing to contribute to the re-establishment of a strategic gas reserve. The discussions are part of preparations for a "reasonable worst-case scenario" in which Russia cuts off all gas supplies to Europe, causing Norwegian gas supplies to be redirected from the UK to Europe.

These plans also include extending the lifespan of the UK's few remaining coal-fired power plants. In April, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng wrote to the owners EDF, Drax, and Uniper, and last Friday, he directed National Grid's Electricity System Operator to investigate what would be required to extend production.

The government has also contacted EDF to see what options were available to extend the life of Hinkley Point B, a nuclear power plant in Somerset.

The UK receives very little natural gas from Russia but is dependent on Norway for one-third of its supplies. There are fears that if Russia cuts off supplies to the European Union or the bloc boycotts supplies as a result of Russia's attack on Ukraine, Norwegian supplies may be diverted.