ScottishPower, which owns and operates the Hatfield Moor Gas Storage and Lindholme Processing Facility, has begun a programme of public consultation with local residents and stakeholders regarding plans to utilise an empty natural gas field to enable it to store additional gas supplies.

The depleted reservoir, from which gas has already been extracted, will become a second storage reservoir at Hatfield – to be called Hatfield West.

Located close to the Hatfield Moor reservoir, the gas will be imported and exported via its existing Lindholme processing plant and connecting pipeline.

ScottishPower has had a presence at the Hatfield Moor Gas Storage Facility since 2000.  The gas storage facility, which is a depleted gas field rather than a man made underground storage facility, was first discovered in December 1981 and began gas production in January 1986.
  
Richard Escott, Head of Project Development, explained: “The existing site can currently hold enough gas to meet the peak demand of around 450,000 domestic customers. The development of the gas storage facility will enable ScottishPower to store additional supplies and provide the UK with much needed flexibility.

“The UK’s indigenous gas reserves are in decline and the country is predicted to be increasingly reliant on imported supplies of gas. This proposal will ensure that Doncaster continues to play a crucial role in the gas supply chain.

“We are in the very early stages of public consultation with regards to our proposals and in the first instance we will be consulting with landowners and residents close to the site as well as key stakeholders such as Doncaster Metropolitan Council.

“As a local employer it is important for us to consult with local residents and stakeholders about our proposals and we look forward to meeting with them at the public information days.”

Media Information: Paul Ferguson 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924