A delegation of fifteen senior gas industry officials from Brazil this week jetted into Belfast as part of a best practice visit based around reviewing the network and operations of Phoenix Natural Gas.

The underground natural gas network in the North remains one of the most modern of its kind in the world, built using the latest and most innovative engineering technologies.

Phoenix began its construction in 1996 and after a private investment of around £500 million today it is over 3,100 kilometres long and passes over 280,000 properties throughout the Greater Belfast area. Over 50% of these properties that have gas available to them have already taken the decision to connect to the network.

-- Advertisement --

The Brazilians represent a company called Compagas, which operates in the Parana State region of the South American country. They currently have 10,000 customers and are keen to learn from other gas companies that have grown customer connections to a new network at a rapid rate.

Ivan Bell, Operations Director at Phoenix Natural Gas, stated: "We were delighted to host the visitors from Compagas and to hear their enthusiasm for growing their business and gas network. Throughout the world, across all continents, natural gas continues to be a key part of energy strategy and future planning".

The day long discussions included site visits and a sharing of information on the latest metering technologies as well as health and safety practices.

(CD)