North-east MP highlights importance of St Fergus gas terminal
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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has told Westminster that St Fergus gas terminal is vital in ensuring the UK continues to source its own gas supply while limiting dependency on imports during transition.
Mr Duguid spoke of the Aberdeenshire plant’s significant role, where 25 per cent of all UK gas comes ashore.
He welcomed the ongoing increase in UK renewable energy capacity while acknowledging there will also be a corresponding decline in gas demand and production over the coming years.
He warned, however, that allowing production to fall faster than demand will leave the UK even more dependent on foreign imports – putting energy supply and prices at risk.
Addressing UK energy minister Greg Hands, Mr Duguid said: “UK natural gas production has come down from about two thirds of UK demand in 2015 to less than half in the first quarter of this year.
“About 25 per cent of UK gas comes ashore at St Fergus in my constituency.
“Does my right honourable friend agree that while we see a welcome increase in UK renewable capacity and while reducing demand still exists, it is far preferable for us to source gas domestically rather than depend on foreign imports.”
Mr Hands replied: “My honourable friend is absolutely right. He is right we will always prefer British gas production over foreign imports.
"Fifty per cent of our current gas consumption comes from the UK continental shelf with an additional 30 per cent from Norway.
“He is right to mention the transition and I know how much he fights for his constituency and the huge variety of energy producers there.
“We were delighted earlier this year to agree the North Sea Transition Deal which I think will offer a fantastic future for his constituents and those right across north-east Scotland."
According to the Oil and Gas Authority, natural gas from the UK continental shelf has less than half the carbon footprint of imported liquefied natural gas.
Mr Duguid later added: “We are not yet at a stage where renewable energy can entirely supply Britain’s electricity, transport and heating needs.
“Letting production fall faster than we can reduce demand risks leaving us increasingly dependent on other countries.
“While we continue to make the energy transition we absolutely need to get to net-zero, it is vital that we make the most of all the resources we have at our disposal.”
