Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 July 2002. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 July 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessments she has made of the (a) current volume of depleted gas reservoirs in offshore fields and (b) potential volume of gas reservoirs in offshore fields, which could be used for re-injected gas storage; and if she will make a statement about gas reservoir depletion.

Answer: Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessments she has made of the (a) current volume of depleted gas reservoirs in offshore fields and (b) potential volume of gas reservoirs in offshore fields, which could be used for re-injected gas storage; and if she will make a statement about gas reservoir depletion. [71467] Mr. Wilson: It is for the oil and gas companies to make such assessments, and to come forward with commercial proposals. As gas production from some gas fields on the UK Continental Shelf stops, there may well be further opportunities--following the example of Rough--to use a number of reservoirs for gas storage. Whether a particular reservoir is suitable will depend on such factors as: how far it is depleted; whether it has the right physical characteristics, including "cushion gas" to permit easy injection/withdrawal without excessive production of liquids; and its proximity to shore.

Secondary information