Great Britain faces the risk of running out of gas in the 2030s, according to an official assessment of the country's gas security. The assessment indicates that "unprecedented" action by ministers will be required to prevent a future gas supply shock, despite the UK's increasing clean energy sources.
The government is currently considering plans to offer direct financial support to safeguard the nation's ageing gas infrastructure. This follows a consultation which identified that a "high stress scenario" could result in homes and businesses losing gas supply within the next decade.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks stated that any government intervention or investment in the gas market would be "unprecedented" and not a decision taken lightly. Potential measures include financial support for owners of gas storage facilities and pipeline operators to ensure their upgrade and maintenance.
Shanks affirmed the UK's commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels through clean energy growth, while acknowledging that gas will continue to play an important role in the energy system for decades. The government highlighted its responsibility to households heated by gas, industries reliant on it, and the power system.
Last year, the UK depended on gas for over a third of its energy consumption. While gas use is projected to significantly decrease by 2050, domestic supplies from the North Sea are expected to decline at a faster rate, falling by approximately 5% annually.