Business
British Gas-owner buys huge LNG terminal for £1.7bn
British Gas-owner Centrica is buying one of the biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in the UK for £1.7bn, extending the firm’s control of the country’s energy supplies.
National Grid is selling Grain LNG to Centrica and private equity firm Energy Capital Partners to allow it to focus on its electricity and gas networks.
LNG is gas that has been cooled into a liquid, making it easier to transport – supplies came under pressure after Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine in 2022 and flows of energy into Europe slowed driving up prices.
Centrica already owns the Rough gas storage facility, which in the biggest in Britain.
Earlier this year, Centrica’s boss Chris O’Shea had warned that it might have to shut down Rough if the government did not step in to help with the redevelopment of the facility.
The site in East Yorkshire was closed in 2017 but then partly reopened in October 2022 following the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Commenting on the £1.7bn deal for the LNG facility on the Isle of Grain in Kent, Mr O’Shea told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that it is “a key strategic asset for the UK” and important for the country’s energy security.
The UK government is aiming for a significant increase in green energy, particularly aiming for a clean power system by 2030.
Mr O’Shea said he thought gas would be part of energy transition “for decades to come but it will probably reduce as a proportion of energy generation”.
He said: “We’ll have more wind, more solar. I think the UK is leading the world on that and is doing very, very well but there are points we don’t have enough sun, enough wind… you need to be able to turn on your electricity generation and gas is the best way we’ve got just now.”
National Grid is moving away from owning energy production sites and instead wants to concentrate on building and maintaining the pipes and wires that carry electricity and gas.
The deal – which needs to be approved by the government – will be paid for with £1.1bn of debt financing with Centrica investing £200m.
Centrica’s share price rose 2.9% on the announcement.
Business
IMF says ‘too early’ to gauge West Asia conflict impact as energy prices, markets turn volatile – The Times of India
With tensions escalating in West Asia, the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday said it is closely tracking the situation but cautioned that it is “too early to assess the economic impact on the region and the global economy,” as disruptions to trade and energy markets intensify.In a statement, the IMF said it has “observed disruptions to trade and economic activity, surges in energy prices, and volatility in financial markets.”“The situation remains highly fluid and adds to an already uncertain global economic environment,” it said, reported ANI.“It is too early to assess the economic impact on the region and the global economy. That impact will depend on the extent and duration of the conflict,” the IMF added.The remarks come as governments evaluate the fallout of the widening hostilities in the region, particularly on oil supplies and global financial stability.In India, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri earlier said the country is “fully prepared amid evolving situation in the Middle East and energy supplies are robust.”He stated that “the country is well stocked with crude oil and inventories of key petroleum products including petrol, diesel and ATF to deal with short-term disruptions arising from the Middle East.”According to the minister, Indian energy companies have access to supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz, and such cargoes will remain available to mitigate any temporary disruptions affecting shipments passing through the strait.The Petroleum ministry has also set up a 24×7 Control Room to continuously monitor supply and stock positions of petroleum products across the country.The government is “reasonably comfortable in terms of stocks,” the minister said, adding that safeguarding the interests of Indian consumers remains the highest priority. Based on continuous monitoring, the government is cautiously optimistic that phased measures can be taken, if required, to further mitigate the situation.Government sources said India currently holds about eight weeks of crude oil and petroleum product inventories, including strategic reserves. They added that only about 40 per cent of India’s crude oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, limiting exposure to regional disruptions.Sources maintained that the country remains in a comfortable position on energy security and is closely monitoring developments, while being prepared to manage potential supply-side challenges through adequate inventory levels and diversified sourcing.
Business
Reeves says her plan is working as growth forecast cut for this year
The forecasts were made before the conflict in the Middle East broke out which could have a “very significant” impact, the OBR said.
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Business
Spring Statement: No new tax rises, but don’t be fooled – they are still set to rise
There are measures, announced ahead of the chancellor’s Spring Statement, yet to take effect.
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