Global consulting and engineering firm Wood has been appointed integrated services partner by Centrica Storage for the company’s UK Southern North Sea operations.

The five-year contract includes the provision of engineering, procurement and construction solutions, operations and maintenance services, as well as project management services for the Rough gas field and the Easington Gas Terminal in East Yorkshire.

Natural gas storage site Rough was recently reopened to help bolster the UK’s energy security. 

Wood has been deploying its decades of experience in brownfield modifications to support the significant engineering designs and modifications required to enable the facility to store up to 30 billion cubic feet of gas ahead of this winter.

Wood’s scope also includes working with Centrica Storage to support its ambition to drive the UK’s clean energy transition by redeveloping Rough into the world’s biggest hydrogen storage facility. 

To support the successful delivery of this contract, Wood will expand its engineering office in Hull, securing highly skilled jobs for around 100 local people. 

This expansion will also propel the company’s growth in the Humberside area, which has been identified as a key industrial hub in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions.

Ellis Renforth, Wood’s president of operations across Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with our new client, Centrica Storage. 

“Our teams will draw upon our extensive expertise in brownfield modifications and decarbonisation solutions to ensure efficient, reliable and responsible operations of the Rough gas field and Easington Gas Terminal, helping to strengthen the UK’s energy supply as well as enable the next phase of their energy transition journey.

“This award also brings an exciting opportunity to expand our operations in Hull and the Humberside area, working with local engineering talent and the supply chain to accelerate the delivery of energy solutions that will unlock a more secure and sustainable future for the region.”

Martin Scargill, managing director of Centrica Storage, added: “This is a long-term strategic partnership that will help us deliver our ambitious plans to provide energy resilience to the UK whilst driving forward the transition to net zero.

"Centrica Storage, Wood and our supply chain partners are committed to protecting and growing highly skilled jobs in the region.”