UK Government ends fracking support in England

The UK Government has stopped its support for shale gas extraction (hydraulic fracturing) in England amid fears over earthquakes related to such operations.

The suspension comes after a report by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) said it was not possible to accurately predict the probability or size of tremors caused by the fracking practice.

Operations at Cuadrilla Resources’ Preston New Road site in Lancashire have repeatedly resulted in tremors higher than those legally permitted and the disturbance has been continuously affecting the residents living near to the fracking site.

On the basis of this and the latest scientific analysis, the government has announced a moratorium on fracking.

The government also noted that further proposals to change the planning process for fracking sites will no longer be taken forward.

UK Business and Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “Whilst acknowledging the huge potential of UK shale gas to provide a bridge to a zero-carbon future, I’ve also always been clear that shale gas exploration must be carried out safely.

“After reviewing the OGA’s report into recent seismic activity at Preston New Road, it is clear that we cannot rule out future unacceptable impacts on the local community.”

The government mentioned that the other alternative sources of natural gas will continue contributing to the country’s energy mix.

OGA regulation director Tom Wheeler said: “Since the OGA suspended hydraulic fracturing at Preston New Road we have been considering whether the operator’s plans are still appropriate to manage the risk of induced seismicity.

“The OGA’s considerations have been informed both by the seismic events and by independent scientific analysis of data from the first Preston New Road well.”

Last month, the Scottish Government finalised its onshore unconventional oil and gas (UOG) policy, confirming that it will not issue any licences for fracking projects.