Opposition for LNG Terminals in Wales
January 22, 2006 at 11:38 am
Campaigners are against the two new LNG terminals planned for Milford Haven, West Wales. The terminals which are planned to recieve LNG from across the world by the end of 2007 are seen by campaigners as unsafe. They are expressing their concerns for people living in the area if a disaster such as a leak or shipping accident were to take place.
Supporters of the problem ensure that the project is safe and argue that it will be good for the local authority. The terminal is also important for future gas supply, expecting to import £4bn worth of gas over 15 years.
Both Pembrokeshire County Council’s decision to grant hazardous substance consents and planning permission and Pembrokshire Coast National Parks Authority’s decision to grant consents are under challenge. It is thought that the marine and environmental risks and the threat to the local people’s safety have not been considered fully.
The Judges have reserved their decision on the case until a later date.
Could Prices Rise as Russia's Temperatures Drop?
January 19, 2006 at 11:40 am
British Gas has warned of more possible gas price rises as Russia interrupted supplies to Europe after cold weather. These actions by Russian energy giant Gazprom could drive prices up in the UK because of concerns that there is not enough gas to meet demands.
British gas does seem confident however that we will not face energy shortages as we only import a small percentage of gas from Russia.
Undersea Caverns Could Help Future Gas Supply Problems
January 12, 2006 at 11:40 am
A new gas storage technology to increase UK supplies has been announced. The proposal is to create huge salt caverns under the sea where gas can be stored and retreived and LNG tankers can unload offshore.
With fast declining North Sea gas reserves this could be a way of ensuring that there are adequate supplies for the future in the UK. This method could help maintain the reliability of supplies when gas is at peak demand, which is an important factor after threats of possible shortages this winter.
Prices Rise after Russia/Ukraine Dispute
January 4, 2006 at 11:41 am
After the recent gas dispute which led Russia to stop supplying Ukraine with gas there have been fears of more price rises for UK households. The dispute took place after Ukraine rejected huge price rises stating that they were due to political motivation.
The UK energy minister noted that there was not an immediate threat to supplies but the dispute could have an effect on the global market which would then cause price rises in the UK. However the effects should be less than in other areas as we are not heavy importers from Russia
Energy Efficiency Could Prevent Gas Supply Problems
January 1, 2006 at 11:43 am
Environmental group Friends of the Earth state today that reducing energy consumption in homes and making them more energy efficient in the key to solving the problem of future gas supply problems.
They beleive that the government must make this a priority. Housing could be easily made 60% more efficient which would not only reduce emissions but also save people money on their energy bills.
