Business · Energy & Commodities · 6 hrs ago
Britain agrees Belgian gas pipeline deal ahead of winter
Britain imports almost 60% of its gas, leaving it reliant on supply from other countries.
The UK has agreed to pay the Belgian owner of a pipeline to keep its compressors ready to send large volumes of gas to Britain if needed this winter.
The backup is intended for a rare but serious situation, such as a prolonged cold spell combined with disruption at Britain’s liquefied natural gas import terminals.
Households will pay about 10p a month towards the arrangement, which covers winter 2026/27 and is expected to bring supply benefits over the following four years.
The outlook for this winter is positive, but gas-fired power stations can drive high demand when renewable energy output is low.
The deal is not a lasting fix, and the government still needs to decide whether Britain requires more gas storage, more LNG terminals or other measures.
A final government response to an earlier warning about gas supply risks is due next year.
Britain has agreed an arrangement with Belgium to maintain gas pipeline capacity ahead of winter 2026/27.
The deal is intended to help ensure enough gas can flow to Britain during a severe supply stress event.
Households will pay about 10p a month to cover the cost of maintaining the pipeline’s compressors.
Ofgem says the arrangement is the only currently available intervention identified to address immediate supply risks and provide benefits over the following four years.
The Guardian says the deal is not a substitute for further government measures to strengthen gas security.
- Who
- The British government and Belgian pipeline owner Interconnector Limited.
- What
- An arrangement to maintain capacity for gas flows from Belgium to Britain.
- When
- Ahead of winter 2026/27.
- Where
- On the gas pipeline connecting Belgium and Britain.
- Why
- To support Britain’s gas supply security during a possible severe stress event.
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- Household cost
- About 10p a month
- Annual household cost
- £1.19
- Pipeline owner
- Interconnector Limited
- Winter covered
- 2026/27
- Duration of continuing benefits
- Four years
3 sources
What people are saying
the only currently available intervention identified that both addresses the immediate security of supply position for winter 2026/27 and provides continuing security of supply benefits over the following four years
The agreement does not remove the need for further measures led by government that are likely to be required to support security of supply and wider gas system resilience over the medium and longer term