Ofgem approves deal to preserve UK gas import links with Europe

The UK energy regulator has approved a commercial agreement designed to maintain gas import capacity from mainland Europe, aiming to preserve system flexibility during periods of high demand. Ofgem confirmed on Thursday that it has authorised Interconnector Limited to enter into a contract with National Gas Transmission plc. This arrangement is intended to reinforce the ability to import gas through the Great Britain-Belgium interconnector, ensuring that the infrastructure remains operational and available for use when required by the British market.

The United Kingdom maintains several pipeline connections to continental Europe, allowing gas to flow in either direction depending on where demand is highest. While these links to hubs in Belgium and the Netherlands are not the primary source of imported gas, they serve as a critical backup. The majority of the UK’s imported gas currently arrives from Norway via dedicated pipelines or from other international exporters in the form of liquefied natural gas. The continental interconnectors are therefore used only occasionally, acting as a supplementary resource rather than a constant supply line.

Ofgem noted that the available import capability through these continental links has diminished in recent years. This reduction is attributed to a combination of factors, including decreased commercial incentives for importing gas from Europe and specific technical reductions in the capacity of the interconnectors. Despite this decline, the regulator emphasised that these connections provide a vital option during periods of particularly high demand, such as severe winter weather events. The agency stated that maintaining this capability is an important action to strengthen resilience, enhancing the gas system’s ability to respond to challenging situations in the unlikely event that they arise.

Glenn Bryn-Jacobsen, Director of Energy Systems and Resilience at National Gas, highlighted the strategic value of these links. He commented that preserving import capability through the continental interconnectors is essential for strengthening the overall resilience of the energy infrastructure. This ensures the system can effectively manage more demanding scenarios if they occur. The regulator is currently consulting on the proposed regulatory mechanism for recovering the costs associated with maintaining this capability, with the consultation period open until November 20, 2026.

Jack Presley Abbott, Director of Energy Systems Management and Security at Ofgem, stated that maintaining these important gas links is crucial as longer-term changes to the energy system continue. He confirmed that the regulator has approved the necessary agreement to maintain this capability and is now consulting on how to recover the associated costs. This decision comes amid broader shifts in the UK energy landscape, including recent government approvals for new North Sea gas projects aimed at supporting domestic supply.