Unite, the UK’s leading union, is calling on the government to ensure the security of the UK’s gas supply and also safeguard hundreds of jobs.
There is growing concern that Centrica, will close the Rough gas supply storage, which is situated 18 miles off the coast of East Yorkshire, unless the government agrees a new funding formula.
Half UK gas storage
The Rough platform can accommodate half of the UK’s gas storage supply but it is currently empty due to the dispute between the government and Centrica. As a consequence, the UK only has 12 days of gas supply in storage, the lowest level in recent history.
Centrica has stated without a deal Rough could close by March.
Essential to energy security
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'The Rough storage facility is essential to the energy security of the UK. Threats of closure are endangering jobs and our ability to keep the lights on and heat homes.
'The general public will not forgive the government or Centrica if this facility is allowed to close and our energy supply becomes even more risky in an increasing uncertain world.'
Jobs under threat
If the Rough platform was to close it would directly result in the loss of a 100 well paid, skilled roles and a further 350 jobs in the supply chain.
Unite believes that the Rough platform is part of the UK critical infrastructure and all options need to be considered in ensuring it remains open and fully operational. That should include the possibility of bringing it into public ownership.
Unite also believes that the Rough platform can be part of the transition to net zero and that in the future the storage facility could be adapted to store hydrogen rather than natural gas.
Critical infrastructure
Unite national officer for energy Simon Coop said: 'Rough is a part of the UK’s critical infrastructure and is vital to energy security supply. Therefore, the government needs to work with all parties to secure the future of Rough. If that is not possible then Unite will push for the government to keep the site open at all costs including the option of public ownership.'
