Dec 1 2006
Gas will flow for the first time today [Friday 01 December] through a new pipeline under the North Sea which connects the UK to the Netherlands.
The Bacton -Balgzand pipeline (BBL) will supply 8% of the UK's gas needs and is the third new piece of infrastructure to come on stream this winter. It will increase energy security and add a further downward pressure on energy prices.
Welcoming the opening of the new pipeline, Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said:
"A further step to secure Britain's energy supplies is put in place today. Travelling more than 230km under the North Sea, today sees BBL delivering commercial gas supplies from the Dutch continental shelf through to homes and businesses across the UK. It will account for some 8% of the UK's annual gas needs and is a feat of considerable engineering achievement. This increases our security of energy supply."
Lord Truscott, Parliamentary Under Secretary will be in Bacton today to mark the opening of the pipeline. Speaking in advance of the visit, he said:
"Gas is now flowing this winter through three pipelines. BBL and the new Langeled pipeline from Norway join the existing Belgian Interconnector and liquefied natural gas brought into the Isle of Grain on the Thames estuary. Next year there'll be additional imports of liquefied natural gas into Teesside and later Milford Haven in South West Wales, contributing to a healthy diversity of supply".