Today’s Operations
The Central Area Transmission System (CATS) has been in operation since 1993, playing a vital role in
UK energy security and supporting the economy and communities across Teesside.
Comprises a 404km pipeline, an offshore riser platform, and the CATS gas processing terminal on
Teesside.
Nationally significant energy infrastructure; terminal is a top tier COMAH site.
Serves more than 30 producing fields in the Central North Sea connected via a series of production
hubs.
In 2024 CATS delivered over 7 million cubic metres of gas to UK markets, around a quarter of total UK
gas production.
Owner – Kellas Midstream (99%); Terminal operator – Wood; Riser Platform operator – Harbour Energy.
CATS pipeline capacity – 1.6 bcf/d; CATS terminal processing capacity – 1.2 bcf/d; CATS pipeline also
feeds the neighbouring Teesside Gas Processing Plant (TGPP) terminal which has 450 mmscf/d single
CNS train processing capacity, and which also processes the Breagh field via another dedicated train.
Future Strategy
The CATS terminal is among the UK’s lowest-carbon-intensity gas processing facilities, with ongoing emissions reduction and energy efficiency projects in action.
It is key to the energy transition by maintaining reliable energy supply during the UK’s transition to cleaner sources.
Located at the heart of the Tees Valley – which aims to become the world’s first net zero industrial cluster by 2040 – Kellas’ ambition is for CATS to play a significant role in the UK’s clean energy future, potentially enabling the production of low carbon hydrogen.
Current Operations
Highly flexible in its operation, it has one of the highest liquid extraction rate capabilities in Europe. The plant uses two trains to process gas from the Central and Southern North Seas.
Capable of meeting up to 10% of the UK’s gas demand, this highly efficient and flexible two-train operation boasts a combined capacity of 675 million cubic feet of gas per day. Run by a proficient operations team with an exceptional safety record, our award-winning facility boasts an availability track record of >99%.
Gas from the Central North Sea is brought onshore to TGPP via the 400 km-long CATS pipeline. Gas from the Southern North Sea arrives via the 110km Breagh pipeline. The Breagh unmanned offshore facilities are operated remotely from the TGPP control room.
Future Strategy
The North Tees region boasts a dynamic and active Energy Transition environment, allowing us to connect upstream users to multiple customers building new sustainable energy provision options within one the UK’s industrial heartlands.
Our advanced processing can be tuned to suit the economic environment, allowing for liquid extraction rates of 11-14% (measured on an energy basis) as required.
