UK’s gas dependence poses major security risk

The UK’s dependence on gas poses a “critical national security risk”, according to a new report.

The report by climate change think-tank E3G and the Kings College Department of War Studies said the UK depends on just four highly clustered national supply facilities for import, processing and distribution of gas, which are highly vulnerable to attack.

In contrast, the UK’s existing and expanding electricity network consists of over 1.7 million renewable generation sites and it said electricity prices based on a clean power system are far more stable.

“Clustered gas infrastructure positions present serious defence challenges and are not rapidly repairable in the event of attack,” said the report.

“The pipelines are actively being scoped by highly capable Russian undersea warfare and seabed sabotage divisions. Supply of oil and gas is also at major risk due to international choke points, as experienced this year following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”