Rough Gas Storage Facility Supports UK’s Winter Energy Needs with Record Fill and Increased Production

Rough Gas Storage Facility Supports UK’s Winter Energy Needs with Record Fill and Increased Production

(IN BRIEF) Centrica’s Rough gas storage facility in the UK has played a vital role in meeting the country’s energy needs during the November 2024 cold snap, pumping 4.35 Bcf of gas into the National Transmission System, powering up to 3.8 million homes. The site reached a record fill level in early November 2024, marking the highest capacity since its reopening in 2022. Rough provides 44% of the UK’s gas storage capacity and helps protect consumers from volatile gas prices by storing gas during low-demand periods. Centrica plans to invest £2 billion to convert Rough into the world’s largest hydrogen storage facility, potentially saving UK consumers £1 billion annually by 2050. The upgrade would further strengthen the UK’s energy security and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

(PRESS RELEASE) WINDSOR, 2-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Centrica’s Rough gas storage site in the UK has successfully met rising energy demands during the early cold snap of November 2024, marking a significant step in the country’s energy resilience. Since the beginning of the month, Rough has pumped 4.35 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas into the National Transmission System (NTS), helping power up to 3.8 million homes on certain days. The facility’s new record fill level, achieved on 5 November, represents the highest capacity since its reopening in 2022.

A Key Player in the UK’s Energy Security

Rough, which provides 44% of the UK’s natural gas storage capacity, plays a crucial role in ensuring the country’s energy security. By storing gas during periods of lower demand, such as the summer months, and withdrawing it when demand spikes, Rough helps protect consumers from volatile gas prices, particularly during winter. Its capacity to store gas has proven essential during the colder November weather, as gas prices remain high and renewable energy generation faces challenges.

Chris O’Shea, Group CEO at Centrica, emphasized the importance of the site for long-term energy resilience:
“Rough is a critical part of the UK’s energy infrastructure and acts as a national safety net during periods of poor weather. We need to ensure its capacity to support consumers in the future, and that’s why we’re focused on transforming Rough into the world’s largest hydrogen storage facility.”

Potential for Hydrogen Storage

Centrica has committed to investing £2 billion in upgrading Rough to store hydrogen, a move that would help decarbonize the energy system and provide further energy security. The investment would require a cap-and-floor model, similar to the approach used for other long-duration storage assets. A recent study by Centrica and FTI Consulting indicated that converting Rough to hydrogen storage could save UK consumers £1 billion annually by 2050.

The need for such investment is underscored by the UK’s reliance on gas storage, especially when renewable energy sources like wind power are not available. O’Shea explained the challenge, noting that extreme weather can reduce wind generation, as turbines can be forced to shut down during high winds, leading to curtailment.

A Sustainable Future for Rough

As the UK moves towards greater reliance on renewable energy, Rough’s ability to serve as a flexible, long-term energy storage solution will be critical. The potential expansion into hydrogen storage represents a future-facing solution that not only addresses current energy security challenges but also plays a vital role in the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Centrica’s ongoing efforts to invest in and redevelop Rough demonstrate the company’s commitment to securing affordable, sustainable energy for consumers, helping to stabilize the market during times of high demand and ensuring that energy supplies remain available and cost-effective.

Notes to Editors:

• Rough keeps prices down for consumers by balancing the UK’s gas market, injecting gas into the facility when there is excess supply and putting that gas back into the UK’s gas network when customers need it most, keeping prices lower at that point of peak demand.
• At full capacity Rough can store around 13.5 days of average total UK gas use, including non-domestic users and gas fired power generation.
• Until 2017, Rough was the largest gas storage site in Great Britain, providing 150 bcf of storage capacity. The site’s current capacity is the higher it can safely go without redevelopment and expansion.

Footnotes:

1. Up to, and including, 27th November.
2. https://www.centrica.com/media-centre/news/2024/large-scale-hydrogen-storage-sites-could-reduce-customer-energy-costs-by-as-much-as-1bn-per-year/
3. Total Energies Daily Report, Stublach holds second largest inventory, (LNG storages excluded).

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Email: media@centrica.com

SOURCE: Centrica plc