Written question asked by David Stewart (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 November 2004. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 4 November 2004 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 assessment she has made of the implications for gas storage requirements to meet peak winter gas demand when the UK becomes a net importer of gas.

Answer: Mr. David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the implications for gas storage requirements to meet peak winter gas demand when the UK becomes a net importer of gas. [195068] Mr. Mike O'Brien: The market is best placed to assess business opportunities for gas storage based on a commercial evaluation. Storage is only one method of providing the flexibility of gas supply to meet peak winter demand. The Joint Energy Security of Supply Working Group (JESS) publishes a regular overview of security of supply indicators and provides information to the market on the need for peak supply capacity. In addition, DTI writes to local planning authorities, considering gas storage projects, to ensure that they are aware of the national need for additional supply side flexibility, including storage capacity, as North Sea gas production declines.

Secondary information