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# UK’s oldest gas compressor continuing to play a part in heating the nation as Alrewas facility clocks up 50 years of service
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/uks-oldest-gas-compressor-continuing-to-play-a-part-in-heating-the-nation-as-alrewas-facility-clocks-up-50-years-of-service/
- Published: 2020-10-30T12:00:30.000Z
- Updated: 2020-10-30T12:01:33.000Z
- Description: A vital part of the system for heating homes across the country will celebrate its 50th birthday in Alrewas this month.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Heritage, Alrewas, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:14, News

A vital part of the system for heating homes across the country will celebrate its 50th birthday in Alrewas this month.

![The gas compressor in Alrewas](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/alrewas-in-2020-50-anniversary-1.jpg)

The gas compressor in Alrewas

The National Grid said the facility – which is used to push gas around the network – was the oldest of 64 used across the UK.

But despite clocking up half a century of use, the gas compressor is continuing to operate thanks to regular maintenance, including the replacement of jet engine turbines with lower emission alternatives.

![The compressor being built more than half a century ago](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/building-the-compressor-2.jpg)

The compressor being built more than half a century ago

Isabelle Haigh, head of plant operations for National Grid, said:

> “Maintaining our compressors, pipelines and gas turbines is vital to the safe, secure and reliable operation of our gas network, but we’re also investing in transformative engineering and cutting-edge technology to help the country hit its net zero carbon target by 2050.  
>  
> “We are working hard to explore moving from natural methane used in the gas network to the cleaner alternatives of hydrogen and biogas – but keeping our current equipment in perfect working order is key to this transition.”