New government data has revealed a sharp rise in gas imports, driven by falling North Sea output and poor renewable generation, reigniting debate over domestic energy security.
The UK energy trends report for January–March shows gas imports rose 19% year-on-year, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports up 42% – despite the NSTA stating LNG is up to four times more polluting than UK gas. Domestic gas production has dropped 20% compared to 2019.
With wind speeds at their lowest for a first quarter since 2010, wind power output fell 13%, while gas demand jumped 8.5% – the highest for any quarter since 2021.
The UK’s overall energy import dependency now stands at 47%.
Domestic oil production has also plunged, down 40% from pre-pandemic levels. The closure of Grangemouth’s refinery led to a 7.1% drop in oil product output and a rise in imports.
Industry leaders warn that current policies, including the windfall tax, are discouraging investment.
Russell Borthwick of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce said: “This data evidences the urgent need to realise the potential of our domestic resources in the North Sea, rather than rely on costly, carbon heavy imports which support no UK jobs.”
