Churchover

Background 

National Gas brings energy to life by getting heat, light and power to people’s homes and businesses. We’re also at the heart of a revolution to create a clean energy future and are committed to reducing our own direct greenhouse gas emissions.

Redressing the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we produce and the amount we remove from the atmosphere won’t happen overnight. 

As we explore new ways to harness renewable energy and change the way we operate, we must continue to bring energy to life through transformational engineering which delivers what households and businesses need. 

Gas underpins the journey to a clean energy future. It provides more than 80% of Britain’s homes and businesses with a secure and reliable source of heat and power. By delivering a reliable base to meet the nation’s energy demand, it enables increasing innovation and growth of cleaner, but more intermittent, renewable energy sources.  

Gas can also help to decarbonise heat, the biggest source of UK carbon emissions, at the lowest cost and with the least disruption to consumers. This is true for both natural gas and other forms of gas such as hydrogen and biomethane. 

At the same time, where our gas comes from right now is changing, with imports via Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals increasing.  

National Gas needs to respond to these changes. We facilitate competition in the supply of gas in Great Britain and ensure the UK’s gas transmission network – the pipes and compressors that propel gas around the country – can accommodate the changing nature of supply. We connect sources of supply to homes and businesses. 

 

View our animations

Learn more about our project and how we work with communities

Where does your gas come from?

View our short film to find out.

Working with communities

Learn more about our project and how we work with communities.

Building our gas network

Find out how we build and maintain our essential gas network.

Overview

On the western part of our network, enabling the transition to net zero means we need to increase capacity to accommodate more gas from South Hook LNG Terminal. We currently anticipate being able to bring forward the date when the additional capacity will be available from Jan 2026 to during 2025, with the intention that all project work be complete in 2026.

How we achieve this increase in capacity is important – construction has environmental and community impacts, and the cost of the work is met by households and businesses through energy bills. 

A thorough and detailed analysis of our network revealed how we can increase capacity through the least amount of new infrastructure, the least impact on people and the environment and at the least cost. It represents the best value for UK consumers. 

Part of this work will be installing a new 2km underground pipeline in Churchover.  

Our work will include:  

  • Installing a new 2km pipeline close to Churchover 

  • Connecting each end of the pipeline into the existing facilities. 

Most of our work will be carried out under what are known as permitted development rights and will not require formal applications for planning permission. Whatever the planning requirements of the project, National Gas is working collaboratively with landowners and statutory stakeholders to ensure we end up with the most appropriate scheme.

View the indicative project timeline

Interactive map

This map shows where the new 2km stretch of pipeline will be installed in Churchover. You can also zoom in on the map to find out what work we will be doing in your local area.


Enlarge map

Consultation with landowners and statutory consultees 

As we develop the project we consult with landowners and statutory bodies – like local authorities and the environment agency.  

In doing so, we’re able to strike a balance between the need for and requirements of the project and the effect on landowners and the environment. We reach the most appropriate scheme and identify ways to address and mitigate the negative effects of construction. 

Construction

National Gas is committed to being a good neighbour. As we build the energy system of the future, we recognise that some of our work can be disruptive. We are committed to working with communities to minimise the impact of our work. However, when disruption is unavoidable and we do get in your way we apologise. We will always try and keep you informed in advance of any potentially disruptive works. 

Throughout construction you will be able to find out what’s going on via this website. You will also be able to get in touch with the team by freephone or email. We will respond and we’ll always seek to resolve issues if we’re able to do so.  

In general terms the process of laying new underground gas pipeline is outlined below: 

  • Strip the topsoil and remove hedgerows along the pipeline route (outside of bird nesting season) 

  • Layout all the pieces of the pipeline (these are made off site at a factory and delivered by lorry) side by side, this is called ‘stringing’ 

  • Bend the pipeline pieces so they fit together and match the direction of the trench and ground contours 

  • Weld the pieces of the pipeline together

  • Excavate a trench approximately 2.5m deep  

  • Lower the pipeline into the trench 

  • Test the pipeline to ensure it can handle the appropriate pressure 

  • Backfill the trench and reinstate soil and hedgerows 

Working with the community

Due to the very nature of what we do – connecting people to the energy we all use – National Gas is at the heart of communities and each year we make a significant charitable investment in the UK. 

National Gas works with community organisations and charities in areas where our work is impacting on local people through our operations and site activities. We look to fund projects run by charities and community groups that meet local community needs by providing a range of social, economic and environmental benefits. We will share more information about available funding as our project gets underway.

Our commitment to being a responsible business

Let us know what you think

Much of the work we will be carrying out will be under what are called permitted development rights. This means that the work is minor enough that it does not require formal applications for planning permission.  

However, National Gas is still keen to get input from local people before commencing work to take advantage of your local knowledge and take on board any suggestions or comments you might have. 

We want to hear what the local community thinks of our plans and get your thoughts on how we can minimise disruption to our neighbours.

Please complete an online feedback form to give us your thoughts

Your knowledge and suggestions will help us to finalise exactly how we will carry out this vital piece of upgrade work.   

Community events

We are hosting a virtual community event on 14 June 2023 giving an overview of the project. To register for the event please email us on [email protected] 

We will continue to engage with the community as the project progresses.