Government orders scientific review of shale gas extraction

The Government today commissioned the British Geological Survey (BGS) to review the latest scientific evidence on shale gas extraction.

MORATORIUM

In 2019, the North Sea Transition Authority (previously the Oil and Gas Authority) found it was impossible to predict accurately the probability or magnitude of earthquakes linked to hydraulic fracturing operations.

There were also reported earthquakes from hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – operations by Cuadrilla Resources on the border of Preston and Blackpool in Lancashire.

The department for business, energy & industrial strategy (BEIS) then imposed a moratorium in November of the same year.

REPORT

In a statement today, BEIS said that the review would desk-based without drilling of any further test wells or seismic monitoring.

The BGS’s investigation of shale gas extraction will include:

– any new developments in the science of hydraulic fracturing, particularly new techniques to reduce the risk and magnitude of seismic events

– whether scientists are confident that new techniques they would be suitable for use in fracturing in the UK, with its specific geology and high population density

– how the seismicity caused by fracturing using new technologies compares with other forms of underground energy production, such as geothermal, coal mining, or surface activities such as construction.

– how the modelling of geologies such as shale has improved since the moratorium on fracking n 2019

– whether there are other sites, outside of Lancashire, which might be at a lower risk of seismic activity

A report is expected before the end of June 2022.

BEIS said that exploration of shale gas in England could only proceed if the science showed that it was safe, sustainable and of minimal disturbance to nearby residents and businesses.

The statement added that while shale gas extraction was not the solution to near-term price issues, all possible energy generation and production methods should be “kept on the table” following the invasion of Ukraine.

ONGOING DEMAND

Business and energy secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said that fracking in England would take years of exploration and development before commercial quantities of gas could be produced.

“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 criminal 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.”