Energy / Gas plant could restart production within the next two weeks
IT IS expected that the Shetland Gas Plant could restart production by Christmas.
The plant has been out of action since last week following a failure with a heating system.
Operator TotalEnergies said this released steam into the air, which was seen many miles away across Shetland.
The flare system also went into action due to the shutdown.
An eyewitness living nearby said they heard a loud noise at the time, adding that the flare flame reached a large height.
TotalEnergies said personnel were called to muster and everyone was safe and well.
Gas plant shut down after heating system failure causes steam release
In an update today (Tuesday) co-owner Kistos said it is expected that the facility will be restarted within the next two weeks.
It said TotalEnergies continues to investigate the cause of the problem, and in parallel it has started work on replacing the failed section.
While gas is not currently being processed, staff at the plant remain at the site and are working towards getting the site safely restarted.
Last week the Health and Safety Executive said it was aware of the incident and was making enquiries.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) also said last week that its own enquiries were ongoing.
The gas plant, located near Sullom Voe Terminal, takes in gas from fields to the West of Shetland.
The facility processes the gas before it is piped onwards to the Scottish mainland.
When the site opened in the mid 2010s TotalEnergies said the plant would provide around eight per cent of the UK’s gas needs.
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