Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what contingency plans are in place to ensure continuity of gas supply to households and critical infrastructure in the event that gas storage levels fall significantly.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government has no concerns regarding our gas security. This assessment is supported by the system operator, National Gas, who are confident we would meet gas demand in the event of disruption such as large infrastructure failure during a cold snap; and who have powers to improve gas supply if needed.

Whilst the UK already benefits from diverse sources of gas supply that limit our reliance on one type of infrastructure - including North Sea production, pipeline imports from Europe, three LNG terminals, and eight storage facilities - the Government recognise that the energy transition could impact our future infrastructure requirements. This is why we recently consulted on options to preserve gas security of supply, including measures to encourage new storage investment or introduce strategic storage. We will publish a response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the adequacy of the UK's current gas storage capacity to meet demand in the event of a prolonged supply disruption.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government has no concerns regarding our gas security. This assessment is supported by the system operator, National Gas, who are confident we would meet gas demand in the event of disruption such as large infrastructure failure during a cold snap; and who have powers to improve gas supply if needed.

Whilst the UK already benefits from diverse sources of gas supply that limit our reliance on one type of infrastructure - including North Sea production, pipeline imports from Europe, three LNG terminals, and eight storage facilities - the Government recognise that the energy transition could impact our future infrastructure requirements. This is why we recently consulted on options to preserve gas security of supply, including measures to encourage new storage investment or introduce strategic storage. We will publish a response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage investment in new large-scale gas storage facilities in the UK.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government has no concerns regarding our gas security. This assessment is supported by the system operator, National Gas, who are confident we would meet gas demand in the event of disruption such as large infrastructure failure during a cold snap; and who have powers to improve gas supply if needed.

Whilst the UK already benefits from diverse sources of gas supply that limit our reliance on one type of infrastructure - including North Sea production, pipeline imports from Europe, three LNG terminals, and eight storage facilities - the Government recognise that the energy transition could impact our future infrastructure requirements. This is why we recently consulted on options to preserve gas security of supply, including measures to encourage new storage investment or introduce strategic storage. We will publish a response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what comparative analysis they have conducted of the UK's gas storage capacity as a proportion of annual demand relative to that of EU member states.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In 2024, UK storage equated to approximately 5% of annual gas demand. This compares to a 2024 EU average of 29%.

The UK has access to diverse sources of gas supply, including gas from the UK Continental Shelf, pipeline imports from Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands, and the second largest LNG import capacity in Europe. This limits our reliance on one source of supply, and means that the UK does not rely on natural gas storage in the same way that many European countries do.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have considered establishing a strategic national gas reserve.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government has no concerns regarding our gas security. This assessment is supported by the system operator, National Gas, who are confident we would meet gas demand in the event of disruption such as large infrastructure failure during a cold snap; and who have powers to improve gas supply if needed.

Whilst the UK already benefits from diverse sources of gas supply that limit our reliance on one type of infrastructure - including North Sea production, pipeline imports from Europe, three LNG terminals, and eight storage facilities - the Government recognise that the energy transition could impact our future infrastructure requirements. This is why we recently consulted on options to preserve gas security of supply, including measures to encourage new storage investment or introduce strategic storage. We will publish a response in due course.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with operators of the Rough gas storage facility about its future capacity and role in the UK's energy security strategy.

Answered by Lord Whitehead - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Government meets Centrica regularly as a key partner in the UK energy system, on various topics including the Rough storage facility. Details of the Department’s ministerial meetings are published regularly on gov.uk.

Found: of Leeds No relevant interests to declare Lord Razzall No relevant interests to declare Lord Reid of Cardowan