GMB boss and Labour leader head to Rouch gas storage facility in Yorkshire
GMB Union will today tell Keir Starmer that investing in hydrogen technology can save 100,000 gas jobs.
The Labour leader alongside GMB General Secretary, Gary Smith is visiting the Rough gas storage facility in Yorkshire, which closed in 2017.
Rough, the biggest gas storage plant in the UK, was mothballed despite dire warnings from GMB about the future of our energy security. [1]
The visit comes as thousands of households have faced electrical power outages because of the impact of Storm Arwen on overhead cables and as the UK remains in the grip of a global energy crisis in part because of the lack of domestic storage.
Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said:
“Failing to replace the Rough storage facility when it closed was utter foolishness – as GMB was at pains to point out at the time.
“Unfortunately, and predictably, our warnings fell on deaf ears.
“We must not play fast and loose with our energy security again - but keeping our homes warm and hitting our net zero targets can go hand in hand.
“Low and eventually zero carbon hydrogen and other green gases can already be safely blended into existing gas infrastructure - immediately reducing emissions.
“A full national conversion programme could provide work for 100,000 people and - in light of Storm Arwen and the electricity power outages facing many parts of the UK - ensure communities can continue to weather the elements without the heating going off with the lights.
“The Labour Party must acknowledge the immense possibilities of hydrogen for saving the planet, and for saving good jobs for workers in those in constituencies they hope to win.”
