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IN VIEW
FRACKING’S SUPPORTERS ARE FEELING ENERGISED
Is fracking back on the energy agenda? Supporters of the controversial method of shale gas extraction see some grounds for hope.
It follows the 12-month postponement of an order for exploration company Cuadrilla to permanently seal two Lancashire wells and the government’s commission of a review “to advise on” the latest scientific evidence around the process.
Both moves came as the government launched its new UK energy security strategy amid soaring prices and the uncertainty created by war in Ukraine.
In 2019 ministers placed a moratorium on fracking, which pumps water, chemicals and sand underground at high pressure to fracture shale rock and release gas.
It came after a scientific study warned it was not possible to rule out “unacceptable” consequences for those living near fracking sites after tremors were felt near Blackpool during exploratory work.
Supporters of shale gas extraction spoke of a new industry delivering jobs and economic growth in Lancashire, but work in the county was subject to fierce protests from people living near the wells and environmental groups.
Announcing the review, the government said: “While shale gas extraction is not the solution to near-term price issues, it is right that all possible energy generation and production
methods are kept on the table following the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by President Putin’s regime.
“Today’s request has been made to assess if any progress has been made in the scientific understanding which underpins government policy, and to allow ministers to consider next steps. A report is expected before the end of June.”
Francis Egan, Cuadrilla’s chief executive, said: “The government clearly recognises the huge potential that shale gas offers this country, and this review may be a tentative first step towards overturning the moratorium and exploiting that potential.”
He added: “We trust that this review will allow Britain’s huge shale gas resources to be exploited. This can create tens of thousands of jobs, bolster energy security, and provide cheaper gas for local communities, and millions of pounds in tax revenues for northern councils.
“All the while we leave this gas in the ground, the UK continues importing vast quantities of gas at huge expense, creating higher CO2 emissions and no UK jobs or tax revenues.”
Business and energy secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “We have always been, and always will be, guided by the science on shale gas.
“It remains the case that fracking in England would take years of exploration and development before commercial quantities
Francis Egan
of gas could be produced for the market and would certainly have no effect on prices in the near term.
“However, there will continue to be an ongoing demand for oil and gas over the coming decades as we transition to cheap renewable energy and new nuclear power. In light of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, it is absolutely right that we explore all possible domestic energy sources.
“However, unless the latest scientific evidence demonstrates that shale gas extraction is safe, sustainable and of minimal disturbance to those living and working nearby, the pause in England will remain in place.”
Power play aims to energise low carbon drive: page 16
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