Green light for fracking

London – Exploratory hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale gas can resume in the UK, subject to new controls to mitigate the risks of seismic activity, the UK government has decided.

The decision is based an a detailed study of the latest scientific research and advice from experts in the field – plus an increasing acknowledgement of the potential value of shale gas to the UK economy.

The expert input, which included studies by the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering, led government ministers to conclude that the seismic and other potential risks associated with fracking could be managed effectively with controls.

Fracking operations in the UK had been halted following two minor tremors linked to drilling by exploration company Cuadrilla Resources in the north west of England in May 2011.

“Shale gas represents a promising new potential energy resource for the UK,” said Edward Davey energy and climate change secretary. “It could contribute significantly to our energy security, reducing our reliance on imported gas, as we move to a low carbon economy.”

The energy secretary, however, cautioned that shale gas exploration was still in its early stages in the UK. It was also, he said, likely to develop slowly because of the need to reassure local communities about its safety and environment impact.

The government is, therefore, introducing new controls around the seismic risks of fracking and will step up monitoring of safety and environmental performance of the industry. This will be delivered through the new Office of Unconventional Gas and Oil, led by DECC.

Davey said he was also commissioning a study of the possible impacts of shale gas development on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.