Western Gas Network Project

29 November, 2023

The Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero has confirmed the National Gas Transmission Plc (Western Gas Network Project) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022 (“the Order”), which was made under section 9 of and Schedule 3 to the Gas Act 1986 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981, following an inquiry held in May 2023.

Western Gas Network Project

29 November, 2023

The Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero has confirmed the National Gas Transmission Plc (Western Gas Network Project) Compulsory Purchase Order 2022 (“the Order”), which was made under section 9 of and Schedule 3 to the Gas Act 1986 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981, following an inquiry held in May 2023.

The project is to accommodate additional gas flows on to the national gas transmission system from the South Hook Terminal, Milford Haven. The South Hook Gas Company Limited is seeking a further 15 million cubic metres per day of additional capacity. 

The works included: the construction and operation a new 9km section of gas pipeline between Wormington (Gloucestershire) and Honeybourne (Worcestershire); a new 2km section of gas pipeline in Churchover (Warwickshire); works to facilitate pressure uprating of the existing gas pipeline between Felindre (Swansea) and Three Cocks (Powys) and Cilfrew (Neath Port Talbot). 

The Secretary of State noted the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1) offers support for gas infrastructure projects which will add to the reliability of the national energy supply and crucial national benefits, which are shared by all users of the system. The Secretary of State also noted that the British Energy Security Strategy reinforces the importance of flexible and efficient network infrastructure.

The Secretary of State concluded, in light of the Inspector’s recommendation, that National Gas Transmission Plc had made a compelling, proportionate and justifiable case in the public interest for the acquisition of the Order land and confirmed the Order.

Mark Westmoreland Smith acted for National Gas Transmission plc.