Kwarteng considers accelerating UK gas quality relaxation
Minister may override for now a consultation process being run by the country’s health and safety authorities
The UK government is considering “potential regulatory options to extract more gas from existing fields”, energy minister Kwasi Kwarteng told a London conference in late June. The assumption is that the administration is weighing up whether to temporarily widen the allowable specifications for gas injected into the UK’s national transmission system (NTS), ahead of any permanent decision made following the conclusion of a consultation by the country’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE opened a consultation on a proposed revision of the UK’s Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996, or GSMR, in late January, closing on 21 March. GSMR apply to the conveyance of gas through pipes to dom
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal






