Plans are advancing for an £830 million project off the UK coast that could boost Britain's depleted gas storage capacity by up to 50%. British-Irish energy firm dCarbonX, backed by Europe's largest gas infrastructure operator Snam, is proposing to redevelop the former Bains gas site near Barrow-in-Furness, approximately 30 kilometres off the coast of north-west England in Morecambe Bay.

The project comes as Britain faces what dCarbonX describes as a mounting "national security risk" due to inadequate gas storage infrastructure. The UK currently has the lowest gas storage capability in the G7, with just 12 days' worth of average winter gas demand capacity. This compares unfavorably with European counterparts like Germany, France and Italy, which maintain 90 days or more of storage capacity.

The Bains site would be capable of storing 1.4 billion cubic metres of gas, providing approximately six additional days of average demand coverage. Tony O'Reilly, chief executive of dCarbonX, emphasized that "the UK doesn't just have a market gap - it has a strategic risk," noting that gas has evolved from being merely a commodity to "the key transition fuel and an insurance policy for stable growth."

The proposed redevelopment of the former producing gas field could become operational within five years, pending regulatory and investment approvals. The project represents one of several initiatives aimed at strengthening Britain's energy security infrastructure as the country navigates the transition to cleaner energy sources while maintaining reliable supply during peak demand periods.

Shed Seven, the Yorkshire Britpop legends, have announced a special one-off summer 2026 performance at Halifax's Piece Hall to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album 'A Maximum High'. The band will deliver a full album performance followed by a second set of greatest hits during the Live At The Piece Hall concert series on June 6. This Halifax date will represent Shed Seven's only headline show of summer 2026, making it a particularly significant event for both the band and their dedicated fanbase.

The anniversary concert will feature special guest performances from Seb Lowe and The Guest List, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for this exclusive event are scheduled to go on general sale at 10am on Friday, October 24, available through major ticketing platforms including Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Piece Hall's official website. The band's return to the Halifax venue follows their previous 2021 performance at the historic courtyard, establishing a continuing relationship with the West Yorkshire location.

'A Maximum High' represented a defining moment in Shed Seven's career, reaching the UK top 10 and selling more than 250,000 copies while spawning five Top 40 singles. Band frontman Rick Witter expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, stating the band is 'looking forward to giving A Maximum High the birthday party it deserves' and noting particular excitement about 'revisiting some of the songs we haven't played for decades.' The event promises to attract fans from across the country for what organizers describe as a 'one night only' celebratory event.

Shed Seven joins a diverse lineup of artists scheduled for the 2026 Live At The Piece Hall series, including Embrace, Ethel Cain, David Gray, Billy Ocean, Opeth and The Ks. The band's upcoming schedule also includes appearances at the Isle Of Wight Festival in June, featuring headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, followed by a supporting performance for Richard Ashcroft at Englefield Estate in Berkshire as part of the Heritage Live series in July. Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, CEO of The Piece Hall Charitable Trust, emphasized the significance of hosting these 'Yorkshire heroes' back at the venue for this milestone celebration.