Shell exhibition updates on LNG storage project

An exhibition updating on progress with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Shell’s Gibraltar LNG project was held at the Fine Arts Gallery yesterday.

It was a follow up to the exhibition that ran last December in the John Mackintosh Hall, which introduced the project to build a liquefied natural gas storage facility linked to Gibraltar’s new power station.

The exhibition, which opened on Monday evening and has now closed, presented the initial findings of the EIA, with the aim of seeking feedback before it is finalised.

The EIA is being conducted by Environmental Resources Management on behalf of Shell, which will operate the LNG facility.

Nicky Crawford, a partner at ERM in charge of the EIA, said the company was pleased with the results so far.

Once the EIA is complete, it will be submitted to town planning for discussion in April.

“This assessment is to meet the town planning and EIA regulations,” Ms Crawford said.

The plant will have five horizontal tanks that will store the liquefied gas, which will be ‘regasified’ before being used by the new power station.

Ian Jewitt, who works with Ms Crawford on the project, said the five tanks and the power plant will ensure Gibraltar’s electricity needs are met for the next 20 to 25 years.