Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on November 26, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleUK's energy operator warns of gas supply risks as demand declines slowly. Gas remains vital for energy security into the next decade.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's energy operator said on Wednesday that gas will remain critical for energy security into the next decade and warned of potential shortfalls on the coldest days.
The National Energy System Operator said in its first gas security of supply assessment after being established last year that overall gas demand will decline as Britain decarbonises, but peak-day demand will fall more slowly, leaving risks if progress on cutting emissions stalls or if major infrastructure fails.
The report, which looks ahead to winters in 2030/31 and 2035/36, said Britain will continue to draw on a diverse mix of sources - including domestic production, Norwegian imports, liquefied natural gas, European pipelines, storage and biomethane - though output from the UK Continental Shelf will keep shrinking.
NESO said mitigating measures may be needed to maintain resilience, including reducing peak-day demand, maximising existing infrastructure and developing new supply options.
"Gas remains a critical component of Britain's energy security - keeping homes warm, powering industry and supporting electricity generation during periods of peak demand and low renewable output," said Glenn Bryn-Jacobsen, director of energy systems and resilience at National Gas.
"In considering potential solutions, it is essential to look at both the gas supply landscape and the investment required in network infrastructure."
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by Paul Simao)
Energy security refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. It is crucial for the stability and functioning of economies and societies.
Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed mainly of methane, used as an energy source for heating, electricity generation, and as a fuel for vehicles.
Decarbonisation is the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy production and consumption, often through the use of renewable energy sources.
Peak-day demands refer to the highest level of energy consumption that occurs during specific periods, often influenced by weather conditions and seasonal changes.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state for ease of storage and transport. It is a key component of the global energy market.
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