The UK will be unable to meet its heating needs using only domestically extracted gas by 2027, even if new North Sea fields are approved, according to fresh analysis of official production data.
Heating homes currently accounts for 38% of national gas use.
The findings reveal a steep decline in North Sea gas output.
By 2027, more than two-thirds of the UK’s gas will need to be imported. Even if new fields are developed, the UK would still be 94% reliant on imports by 2050.
Experts stress the issue is geological, not political.
Just 14% of the gas once estimated in the North Sea basin remains commercially viable. Industry lobbyists have admitted that further extraction would require “major industry change” and is “beyond realistic assumptions.”
Data shows existing oil fields hold just over three years of gas at current demand levels. New fields would add less than half a year.
Since gas is sold on international markets, consumers remain exposed to volatile prices even if domestic production increases.
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, warned: “The geological reality is that the North Sea basin is dying and there are limited levels of gas for home heating left.”
Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, criticised political rhetoric that suggests otherwise. “Politicians are deliberately and dangerously misleading the public into thinking this country has a secure energy supply in the North Sea, when it is clear we do not.”
A recent Uplift poll found that 41% of the public mistakenly believe domestic gas reserves could eliminate imports.
Campaigners argue that accelerating the transition to renewable energy is the only long-term solution to the UK’s energy security and cost challenges.
We will rely on gas imports for heating from 2027 as North Sea output declines appeared first on Energy Live News.