The UK ramped up its intake of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States in the second quarter of this year, with imports jumping 54% as pipeline deliveries from Norway fell sharply.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s latest Energy Trends report, overall gas imports dropped 14% year-on-year, but American cargoes filled much of the gap left by maintenance outages on Norwegian fields.
Domestic gas production was up 3.6% over the period, though it remains at a fraction pre-pandemic levels.
The growing role of LNG in Britain’s energy mix comes with a significant carbon cost.
The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) estimates that LNG imported from the US carries more than three times the emissions of gas produced in the UK North Sea, when shipping and processing are included.
The figures underline a persistent dilemma for policymakers, because while LNG offers a vital buffer for energy security, Britain’s increasing dependence on high-emission imports undermines the UK Government's North Sea exploration ban.