On Monday (16 November), local Conservative MEP Geoffrey Van Orden visited the Shell Gas Plant at Bacton. This facility processes natural gas from North Sea installations and is a critical national hub, processing some 25% of the UK gas supply.

It is a vital industry but skills and labour shortage are a challenge. Geoffrey Van Orden visited in his capacity both as Conservative Defence & Security Spokesman with a strong interest in energy security questions and as an elected local representative covering Norfolk. 

He commented: "The Bacton gas terminals are a vital part of our national energy system and of the local economy in Norfolk. Pipelines into the terminal bring gas continuously from the North Sea gas fields and interconnect with the continental European network. 

"As supplies from the North Sea reduce in the coming years it is important that the government take steps, with industry, to ensure that larger reserves are maintained. 

"I am also pleased to hear of the efforts by Shell and other major oil and gas companies to carry out research into ways in which the energy supply can be diversified and made cleaner, through investment in renewables and research into carbon capture.  

"I also applaud Shell's involvement in helping small businesses through its  "Springboard" scheme and the encouragement by energy companies for young people to take up careers in the energy field through "Skills for Energy".

The energy industry in all its ramifications is vital to the future of our country and the UK should be well-placed to play a leading role in advancing new technologies. It is most important therefore that more young people take up careers in science and technology. In this regard, more needs to be done by government, industry and especially our schools".