Aberdeen-based engineering and consultancy group Wood yesterday announced a contract win for the UK's largest natural gas storage site, Rough.
The firm has been appointed integrated services partner by Centrica Storage for the company's UK southern North Sea operations.
The five-year deal includes the provision of engineering, procurement and construction solutions, operations and maintenance services, as well as project management services for the Rough gas field and the Easington gas terminal in east Yorkshire.
Rough was recently reopened to help bolster the UK's energy security.
Wood said it has deployed its decades of experience in brownfield modifications to support the significant engineering designs and modifications required to enable the facility to store up to 30 billion cubic feet of gas ahead of this winter.
The Aberdeen company will also work with Centrica Storage to support its ambition to drive the UK's clean energy transition by redeveloping Rough into the world's biggest hydrogen storage facility.
Expansion
To support delivery of the contract, Wood will expand its engineering office in Hull.
No value for the deal has been announced.
Ellis Renforth, Wood's president of operations across Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "We are delighted to have secured this contract with our new client, Centrica Storage.
"This award also brings an exciting opportunity to expand our operations in Hull and the Humberside area, working with local engineering talent and the supply chain to accelerate the delivery of energy solutions that will unlock a more secure and sustainable future for the region."
Martin Scargill, managing director of Centrica Storage, said the Wood tie-up was a long-term strategic partnership which will help deliver ambitious plans to provide energy resilience to the UK whilst driving forward the transition to net-zero.
Energy Voice says Rough comprises two offshore platforms, linked to Easington. Situated about 17 miles off Yorkshire, the storage site previously accounted for 70% of Britain's natural gas storage capacity, but was wound down in 2017 after state backing was pulled.
It can hold capacity for about 10 days of domestic demand when full, making it a key asset as the UK seeks to avoid winter blackouts amid a European energy shortage.