Gas connections with the EU  

The UK plays a central role in the European gas system. Today, National Gas operates one of the largest natural gas transmission networks in Europe delivering energy to British consumers every day. In addition, the National Transmission System (NTS) is connected to the European Union’s internal gas market via three interconnectors: 

• INT interconnector to Belgium. Completed in 1998, this 235km bi-directional gas pipeline provides UK export and import capacity. It connects the NBP hub (in Bacton, UK) to the ZTP hub (in Zeebrugge), with access to the TTF (Netherlands), PEG (France markets and surrounding LNG Terminals at Zeebrugge and Dunkerque).  
• Balgzand to Bacton Line (BBL) interconnector to the Netherlands. This 235km pipeline has connected Bacton (UK) to Den Helder (the Netherlands) since 2006. It became bi-directional in 2020/21. BBL connects the NBP and TTF market areas, supporting the integration of the gas markets in North-West Europe.   
• Moffat to the Republic of Ireland interconnector. This unidirectional interconnector transports gas from the UK to the island of Ireland (both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland). In 2022, 75% of RoI’s natural gas use was imported from the UK. Ongoing projects are looking to make the interconnector bi-directional as well as, at some stage in the future, evolving to include a homogenous and increasing blend of hydrogen/natural gas and/or a 100% hydrogen supply.   

Collaboration with EU Member States  

National Gas is committed to leading the transition to a clean energy future. This objective is shared by our European partners, resulting in multiple interactions to address common challenges. Working with key EU partners, National Gas has a pivotal role to play in cooperation with the rest of Europe.  
 
The 2020 EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) establishes an official framework of cooperation between the two blocks, requiring a constant dialogue between the European Commission and the UK government, but also among network operators, in particular ENTSOG (the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas). In addition to this official framework, numerous public or private initiatives are being carried out, triggering a close cooperation with both EU and non-EU countries, such as Norway.  

National Gas has signed a pioneering Memorandum of Understanding with Belgian gas transmission network operator, Fluxys, which enables collaboration on decarbonising gas infrastructure, developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) and harnessing North Sea energy resources, such as offshore wind and hydrogen production. We are working with Fluxys to explore the benefits of a hydrogen link between our respective infrastructures, helping to unlock North Sea hydrogen for mainland Europe.  

Every week, National Gas is engaged in discussions with European partners. Numerous initiatives are underway to tackle current and future challenges, grouped under two overarching key themes of security of supply and decarbonisation. National Gas also belongs to several European cross-sectorial organisations such as GIE (Gas Infrastructure Europe) and the European Hydrogen Backbone.