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Explained that yesterday's approval followed expert recommendations. Did not alter recommendation, based on expert information provided. Sees as consistent with NI Green Growth strategy as need facilities to store hydrogen and sees hydrogen as a key energy source for NI. Interestingly identifying that wind turbines could be used at night to generate hydrogen.

Hi Jabido, interview followed pieces on more supplier failures and EDF CEO interview on energy crisis. Asked JW whether there was client interest in long term storage to finance construction. JW said step further ahead, LOI with Vitol and renegotiating what that looks like. JW agreed iy was a nationally important facility ( interview was asking about whether govt involvement required), both agreed energy traders would value salt caverns with gas at this point. JW said energy trilemma now ranked 1. decarbonisation, 2. cost to customer and 3 security of supply (changed from before), okay on paper but highlighted UK vulnerability to LNG cargoes changing direction mid trip to highest bidder and vulnerability to Russia and exposed to risk of blackouts. Good interview by JW against a tough interviewer who asks pertinent questions. Finished up with interviewer promising to keep in touch to see how project developed. Sure I've missed some things here but hopefully you get a flavour.

Great platform, Good interview so far

Thanks BlairPeach, that makes sense

Thanks BlairPeach,

There was this EU project identified at a point in time with some feasibility funding. Brexit has come along since so I don't know where it now stands but it seems to identify that with compressors and pipelines it could be made bi directional.

"Physical reverse flow at Moffat" https://www.gasnetworks.ie/corporate/company/our-network/projects/projects-of-common-intere/physical-reverse-flow-at-/

I'm assuming this significantly weakens the calls for an expensive LNG facility in Ireland and is a game changer for island of Ireland energy policy approach allowing cross border cooperation.

"Gas storage project off coast of NI given green light, creating 400 jobs during construction - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk" https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/gas-storage-project-off-coast-of-ni-given-green-light-creating-400-jobs-during-construction-40944249.html

"Reuters Events: Offshore & Floating Wind Europe · October 13-14, 2021 · Digital Conference & Exhibition" https://reutersevents.com/events/offshore/#utm_source=ReNews&utm_medium=Banner

Some key players attending

"Subscribe to read | Financial Times" https://www.ft.com/content/c1297c53-15ba-4420-ac4b-7792ddcd67bb

Sorry, not a subscriber so can't see detail

smithfields, Fair comment, it all feels amateurish and a tired struggling administration at the moment.

"Government would consider building new hydrogen storage facilities as part of transition to greener fuel sources" Energy Minister Greg Hands

"UK Government will not increase country's gas storage capacity despite price hikes for customers" https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/uk-government-will-not-increase-gas-storage-capacity-despite-price-increase-1240522/amp

Energy minister explains govt current thinking on gas storage and briefly mentions hydrogen storage

"Energy: UK National Grid wants to put wind farms around an artificial island | New Scientist" https://www.newscientist.com/article/2293043-uk-national-grid-in-talks-to-build-an-energy-island-in-the-north-sea/

Also Guardian article on this posted 1 hr ago

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gas-storage-policy-comes-back-to-bite-government-279v8v2jz

This article nicely summarises the failure of govt policy in this area. Ofgem (Jonathon Brierley on Today this morning 8:10am / Kwasi Kwarteng seem very keen to talk down that an improved UK gas storage capability could in part provide some resilience against exposure to extremely high prices. Seems like a regulatory / govt failure in UK market design.

"RWE, EDF win big in German offshore tender - reNews - Renewable Energy News" https://renews.biz/72160/rwe-edf-win-big-in-german-offshore-tender/

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/all-britains-electricity-to-be-green-by-2035-ns76tl7vm#:~:text=Boris%20Johnson%20will%20this%20week,The%20Times%20has%20been%20told.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LLHATGAaC0

Well worth a watch I think, Dr James Carton articulates why Islandmagee is potentially of significant value. (see from around 15 minutes to the end)

https://www.independent.ie/news/ireland-risks-future-energy-catastrophe-because-of-over-reliance-on-uk-gas-deliveries-expert-40907363.html

Although the arguments are made for a future LNG facility in Ireland, I think they could also apply for a gas storage facility

"Harland and Wolff, the aerospace industry and hydrogen buses and hubs are well positioned to drive the UK's green industrial revolution as we fulfil our ambitious commitments on climate change and the environment" Rt Hon Brandon Lewis

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/secretary-of-state-speech-to-the-british-irish-association-conference

Sorry if posted already, H&W specifically mention in minister speech