News

INEOS Enterprises has today announced its intention to invest in a new gas storage facility in Cheshire.

This investment will be of national importance by making a significant contribution to the security of gas supplies in the UK at a time when the Government has identified the need for additional gas storage projects to be brought on line.

The facility will consist of a number of cavities that will be solution mined (at Holford Brinefields to the north of Drakelow Lane) for the purpose of gas storage, along with a gas compression station (located at Stublach Grange Farm) and associated infrastructure that will connect the facility to the National Transmission System. Subject to the necessary permissions being granted, it is anticipated that the facility will be operational by 2009.

The natural geology of Cheshire makes it one of very few places in the UK that are suitable for the development of underground gas storage. The proposed facility will ensure a "double use" of natural resources both for salt extraction and for the creation of gas storage cavities, thereby meeting a high standard of environmental sustainability.

Comments Chris Tane, CEO: “This will represent a major strategic investment by INEOS Enterprises to meet clear national need for increased UK gas storage. Furthermore, as we solution mine the cavities, the brine obtained will help to underpin the long term future of a number of strategic chemical manufacturers in the North West, including INEOS Chlor at Runcorn.”

INEOS Enterprises has commenced preliminary discussions with the relevant authorities and has begun the process of preparing a planning application that will be submitted to Cheshire County Council later this year.

INEOS Enterprises remains fully committed to working with E.ON UK to develop its gas storage facility at Byley.

For further information please contact:
Craig Welsh, INEOS Enterprises Press Office
Phone: 01928 511528
Email: craig.welsh@ineoschlor.com