News / Energy minister
UK energy minister Charles Hendry is to visit Total’s Shetland gas plant project next week.
The gas plant, next to the Sullom Voe Terminal, is part of the French energy company’s £2.5 billion investment to unlock the vast gas reserves west of the isles.
Mr Hendry’s visit will be part of the minister’s tour of the highlands and islands.
Meanwhile northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed an industry report which suggests that UK oil and gas activities have increased significantly with eight new North Sea fields coming on stream so far this year.
Mr Carmichael said: “In the northern isles we are at the cutting edge of marine renewables but oil and gas will remain an important part of our energy mix for many years to come.
“The oil and gas industry makes a big contribution to our local economy and news that the sector is going from strength to strength in 2012 is welcome.
“Whether we are talking energy security, jobs or tax revenue, this is good news for the northern isles, the north east of Scotland and the UK as a whole.”
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