Centrica reports Irish Sea energy success

Centrica Energy has reported another successful year in its East Irish Sea operations, securing the future of as many as 400 jobs in the Morecambe area.

The company, which owns and operates gas fields off the Lancashire and Cumbrian coast, said continued investment was helping secure the jobs as it prepares to produce the first new gas in Morecambe Bay for over a decade.

Mike Astell, regional director EIS - CEU, said: “Centrica Energy has seen another successful year, in particular in the East Irish Sea where we have been carrying out the first development activity in over a decade.

“With Rhyl due to come on stream in the coming weeks we are extending production from Morecambe Bay past 2020, meaning that we can secure more gas for the UK as well as 400 jobs in the local area.” Centrica reported that upstream gas and oil profitability increased by 20% to £919m, whilst total production of gas and liquids increased by 18% to 56.7mmboe.