National Grid has slightly improved its forecast for the likely gas supply situation next winter having been able to update its information through commissioning a second report. However, the power transit firm warns that supplies will still be tight.
The major new import projects are still on track and Britain’s largest gas storage facility, Rough, is now expected to be filled in time for winter. But there are still uncertainties regarding the completion of these new import facilities and supplies could still be tight next winter, National Grid reports.
Ofgem’s chief executive, Alistair Buchanan, comments: When National Grid published its first winter consultation in May, there was uncertainty over Rough gas storage. Now we know that Rough is expected to be filled in time for winter and this is certainly good news, but now is not the time for complacency as there is still a great deal of uncertainty about gas imports this winter and supplies could be tighter if pipes and terminals are not used to capacity or are delayed.
What we need to prepare for a tight winter is clear, accurate information about how much gas will flow into the UK this winter from Norway and continental Europe. Crucially, we still lack transparent information about gas demand, supply and storage on the continent, which makes it hard to see the full picture. There has been some progress with much greater transparency in France and the Netherlands, but there is still significant room for improvement.