UK LNG Import Plans Criticized Amid Fears Over Energy Security

The UK government is considering investing in additional LNG import capacity as domestic North Sea production declines.

A proposal to spend billions of pounds on facilities to increase imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has drawn criticism from industry and business groups over the country's offshore oil and gas policies.

The Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) argued that the potential expansion of LNG imports underscores concerns about declining North Sea production leaving the UK increasingly dependent on overseas energy supplies.

'The government admits we will need gas for decades to come, warns explicitly that the North Sea decline threatens our energy security, and is now considering unprecedented intervention to support additional LNG import capacity, potentially costing billions,' said Russell Borthwick, chief executive of AGCC.