What is the “Rough” Gas Storage Facility, and how will it help?
Located around 18 miles offshore from the Yorkshire Coast in the Southern North Sea, and around 1.42 miles (2.3km) under the Seabed, “Rough”, currently owned and operated by Centrica Storage Ltd (CSL), a subsidiary of Centrica, consists of a partly depleted Gas Field and is divided into 2 areas, 47/3 Bravo and 47/8 Alpha.
47/3 Bravo is the main manned complex at “Rough”, split into three separate platforms, linked by Bridges, operating 24 wells. This complex withdraws Gas from the wells as a vapour where it undergoes several separation processes, before it is then piped through to the Easington Terminal, entering the National Transmission System (NTS) to Homes & Businesses.
47/8 Alpha with 2 platforms, linked by Bridges, was previously used as an overflow area to maintain standards and delivery scales during days with Peak Demands. Due to ongoing maintenance and funding issues, it was withdrawn in September 2016.
The final area, located onshore, is a Gas Processing Terminal at Easington, located on the Yorkshire Coast, just north of the Humber. This facility can inject upwards of 125 Million Standard Cubic Meters of Gas into the NTS per day, which equates to approximately 40% of our Daily Supply.
The facility, in operation, compressed excess Gas into Storage and was piped from Easington to 47/3 Bravo, and when required onto 47/8 Alpha, whereby it was driven into the reservoir until needed.
When Gas is stored in this manner it can become slightly contaminated with Water and Hydrocarbons. However, both platforms do have the facility to expel the Water and to mix the Hydrocarbons with the Gas, before being piped to shore.
When previously in full operation, “Rough” had capacity to store enough Gas to cover an estimated 70% of Britain’s Requirements.
Originally “Rough” was fully closed in 2017 due to Rising Maintenance Costs, and a lack of Government Funding. Once withdrawn it significantly reduced the level of Gas Storage for the United Kingdom, and raised ongoing concerns by Producers and Suppliers combined.
With the unfortunate invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent restrictions being placed on Russia, it has led to a shortage of Gas into Europe. Although our Gas Requirements from Russia have been minimal for some time, it has led to an increased requirement for Imported Energy, of which we are dependent on.
With this being the case, an application was made by CSL to reopen the facility to the UK Oil and Gas Regulator and North Sea Transition Authority of which has been accepted, however only a gradual reopening of only 25%, will take place.
Although the Government have previously said Energy Blackouts through this Winter are unlikely, it is thought the Gradual Reopening of “Rough” will allow for an approximate increased level of 28 billion cubic feet of Gas Storage for this Winter. This will provided much needed relief, should supplies continue to be an issue.
Is there anything Commercial Businesses can do to reduce ongoing Energy Costs?
In these uncertain times, it is very important businesses do all they can to ensure they are paying the correct rates on their accounts.
If you are struggling with Rising Energy Prices, are dealing with problem queries or would like to take advantage of our No-Obligation Energy Audit, please contact Daniel Walker on 01246 252788, or by e-mail at daniel.walker@costadvice.co.uk, whereby he will be happy to help.
