The UK Government's Energy Secretary Amber Rudd has officially opened the UK's newest gas field.

The Laggan-Tormore gas fields were unveiled at an inauguration ceremony yesterday, 16 May.

The event took place at the new Shetland Gas Plant, which the fields will feed into before being processed and transported into the grid.

Operated by energy firm Total, the Laggan-Tormore fields are now capable of producing 90,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

The nearby Edradour and Glenlivet fields are also being developed by Total and are expected to begin production in 2017 and 2018 respectively.


Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Rudd said: "This vote of confidence in the offshore oil and gas industry is great news for the Shetland Islands and for the UK as a whole, creating jobs and providing secure, affordable energy to the UK's families and businesses for decades to come.

"North Sea oil and gas is crucial to our energy mix and this Government is clear that the broad shoulders of the UK are firmly behind this vital industry and the thousands of workers and families it supports. We are 100% committed to helping our oil and gas industry attract investment, unlock new potential and remain competitive for the future."

SSE's MD of Generation, Jim Smith, added: "We are proud to be a partner in the ground breaking Laggan-Tormore gas fields and the new Shetland Gas Plant. SSE has a long-standing relationship with the Shetland community which we are pleased to extend.

"As well as helping to meet the needs of SSE and its customers, the gas from these fields will make a significant contribution to the security of gas supply in the UK."

SSE acquired a 20% interest in the four gas fields from Total in July 2015.

(LM/MH)