In June, for the first time, Britain did not import any fuel from Russia.
London, Thanasis Gavos
Natural gas production from Britain increased by 26% in the first half of the year compared to the corresponding period last year, as part of the country’s effort to wean itself off Russian hydrocarbons.
Production was increased by 3.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas, an amount capable of heating almost 3.5 million households for a year.
The increase in production is due to the commissioning of two new mining projects and the continuation of work on other platforms after extensive repairs carried out during 2021.
The figures from the Office for National Statistics follow the announcement that in June for the first time Britain did not import any fuel from Russia. The average monthly volume of oil, natural gas and coal imports from Russia previously amounted to 499 million pounds.
At the same time, the organization Offshore Energies UK found through the regular monitoring of energy consumption in the country that in recent months almost 50% of Britain’s natural gas needs were covered by domestic production. This has led to a reduction in LNG imports from Britain’s key markets, namely Norway, the US and Qatar.
This news was pointed out via Twitter by the Minister of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng, speaking of strengthening the energy security of the United Kingdom.
However, Offshore Energies UK sustainability director Mike Tholen said that there is a need for continued investment in Britain’s energy sector in order for the country to face a winter energy crisis.
“If we are to continue our efforts to protect the supply of British natural gas, which remains the backbone of the energy mix for electricity, heating and industrial processes, politicians of all parties must support energy produced here in the UK Kingdom with all the attendant benefits for tax, energy security and jobs,” said Mr Tholen.
Figures for July show that natural gas covered 44% of the UK’s electricity generation and 85% of the country’s household heating, in addition to its use in industry.
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