Energy security in spotlight as gas demand grows

New government figures show UK gas imports rose by 19% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by declining North Sea production and lower renewable output. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports surged by 42%, despite being significantly more carbon intensive than UK-sourced gas.

Domestic gas production has fallen 20% since 2019, while gas demand rose by 8.5%, the highest since 2021, as wind generation dropped due to low wind speeds. The UK’s overall energy import dependency now stands at 47%.

Industry leaders are warning that current policies are deterring investment in UK resources. Russell Borthwick, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said there is an urgent need to maximise domestic North Sea potential to reduce reliance on high-carbon imports and support UK jobs.

This continued shift in energy supply and demand highlights the critical role gas engineers play in maintaining resilience across the network, ensuring safe and secure delivery of energy as the UK navigates its transition to net zero.

Read more: Gas imports soar as domestic production slumps, sparking call for North Sea revival