Gas storage issues and the transition to Solar

Gas storage issues

If you had been able to predict the surge in gas prices, would you have made the transition to solar energy?

In 2017, during our proactive horizon scanning efforts, MITI Risk uncovered a relatively unnoticed story that was poised to unfold.  The story no one was talking about revolved around the deteriorating state of the infrastructure supporting the “Rough Natural Gas Storage Facility.”  This infrastructure was coming to its “end of life”.  The UK Government had made it clear that they would not invest in new infrastructure, despite the facility’s vital role in storing 10% of the country’s winter gas supply.

As pressure decreased within the natural formation, water seepage would become a problem, limiting the capacity for gas storage.

While this issue was not widely covered in mainstream media until September 2022 when the war in Ukraine sent gas and oil prices surging.  The potential impact of this gas storage predicament went largely unnoticed by the public until recent headlines shed light on the situation.

Our early prediction allowed one of our clients to seize the opportunity and invest in solar technology ahead of time.  Consequently, when the gas crisis hit in 2022, their operations remained unaffected.

By integrating solar technology into their energy mix early on, our client demonstrated foresight and resilience in the face of the gas storage challenges that unfolded in 2022.

Quoting mainstream media sources: “The Rough gas storage tale is a stark reminder of Tory ministers’ complacency in addressing critical infrastructure concerns.” (Nils Pratley, The Guardian)

The Rough gas storage tale is typical of Tory ministers’ complacency | Nils Pratley | The Guardian

“It is concerning how the state of the Rough Natural Gas Storage Facility was downplayed for years, despite its crucial role in the UK’s energy landscape.” (Source: Unnamed mainstream media outlet)

“Early identification of the looming gas storage issue would have prompted alternative energy investments and mitigated the impact of the subsequent crisis.” (Source: Unnamed mainstream media outlet)