UK gives go-ahead to shale gas fracking, announces new controls

The UK government has today lifted a ban on the use of hydraulic fracking method for shale gas exploration in the country, and also imposed new controls to reduce the risks of seismic activity.

Britain had suspended exploratory fracking since May 2011, after two small seismic earthquakes occured when Cuadrilla Resources was fracking for shale gas at their Preese Hall site in Lancashire.

Fracking is a controversial technique for recovering gas and oil from shale rocks that allows oil or gas to move more freely, and eventually flow to the surface.

In order to mitigate seismic risks, a study commissioned by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) recommends that seismic monitoring must be carried out before, during and after fracking.

It suggests a prior review before fracking begins to assess seismic risk and the existence of faults, and also advises implementation of a new traffic light system to categorise seismic activity.

Announcing the government decision, UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Edward Davey, noted that shale gas represents a promising new potential energy resource for the nation.

"It could contribute significantly to our energy security, reducing our reliance on imported gas, as we move to a low carbon economy," Davey added.

"My decision is based on the evidence. It comes after detailed study of the latest scientific research available and advice from leading experts in the field."

Davey also noted the public must be confident that fracking is safe and assured that the existing stringent regime is being strengthened with new controls.

"As the industry develops we will remain vigilant to all emerging evidence to ensure fracking is safe and the local environment is protected."

Welcoming the latest decision, Oil & Gas UK chief executive, Malcolm Webb, said, "Natural gas is currently providing about a third of Britain’s electricity and also heats 80% of our homes and it will continue to be an essential source of energy for Britain for some decades to come."

Commenting on the announcement, Climate Change Capital policy head, Ben Caldecott, said, "Fracking will continue to generate significant local opposition, which will undermine long term political support and the investment case for a UK shale gas expansion."

"This is fortunate, as it’s clear from the latest Committee on Climate Change findings that another dash for gas will expose us to higher and more volatile fuel prices," Caldecott added.

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Image: Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey. Photo: courtesy of UK Business, Innovation and Skills Office.