Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) said that UK had to import 56 per cent of its gas to meet record demand in winter 2021.
With many staying in their homes more than usual due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, gas demand from consumers rose in order to heat their homes. But OGUK warned that with gas output from the North Sea in long-term decline, the UK faces increasing pressure to import more gas unless efforts are made to boost domestic production.
While gas is less carbon-intensive than some fossil fuels like coal, the UK will struggle to meet its 2050 carbon neutral goals if it continues to rely on it.
The UK is now among Europe’s largest consumers of gas. According to OGUK’s latest report, approximately 23 million homes (85 per cent) rely on it for central heating and hot water, as well as providing heat and power for business and generating 35 per cent of the UK’s electricity.
One way of lowering the carbon intensity of the UK’s gas heated houses could be through...