Energy worker’s union GMB has warned of a potential UK heating crisis due to “inadequate” gas storage facilities.
GMB pointed to a report by energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie warning Britain’s gas supply position is” precarious” and winter shortfalls could jeopardise fuel supplies for power stations and industry.
The union suggested the UK’s diminishing gas storage is currently “not fit for purpose” and “could cost thousands of jobs”.
Recent reports have claimed that the UK will be beset by lower than usual winter temperatures.
Stuart Fegan, GMB national officer, said: “With the UK facing the first real cold snap of the winter – we have continuing fears of a heating crisis over the coming months.
“The bottom line – the UK’s current gas storage requirement is inadequate and not fit for purpose and that could cost jobs with the very real possibly industrial users will be required to limit their usage of gas.
In the light of RWE’s announcement last week that it is shelving its energy storage project, the Government must now step in to defend our national interest to make sure consumers and industrial users are protected from volatile prices which insufficient storage brings.
“After all, gas provides heat to 80% of the UK’s 26 million homes, and in the real world gas is going to be needed to heat our homes as part of a diverse energy mix whilst we transition to a lower carbon economy.”
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