GLASGOW, Scotland, May 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- ScottishPower has been granted planning permission by the Government to build a GBP100m underground natural gas storage facility that will help the UK meet future demand as gas imports rise.
The project, jointly approved by the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department of Trade and Industry, will see around six billion cubic feet of gas stored in up to eight underground caverns near Byley in Cheshire.
Welcoming the decision, Charles Berry, ScottishPower Executive Director UK, said: "The UK will soon become a net importer of natural gas and this facility will help provide greater security of supply, particularly at times of peak demand. Byley's short cycle time will also enable it to respond to the expected increase in overall demand and price volatility".
Unlike most existing gas storage units in the UK, Byley will be able to be filled and emptied many times a year giving greater flexibility in meeting the demand for peak supplies of domestic gas and gas-generated electricity.
19 May 2004
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