Davey plays down shale carbon effect

Davey outlined the potential benefits shale gas exploration could have for the UK’s economy and its environment - coming just days after business secretary Vince Cable dismissed the government’s backing of shale as an obsession of Westminster politicians.

Davey’s speech was delivered alongside a DECC report that assessed the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the production of shale gas in the UK and the compatibility of such emissions with the UK’s legislated climate change targets.

We must pursue the development and deployment of technologies that will reduce emissions

UK secretary of state Edward Davey

Figures within the report suggested that the carbon footprint of UK produced shale gas would likely be significantly less than coal and also lower than imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

DECC chief scientific advisor Professor David Mackay said: “Our study indicates that shale gas, if properly regulated, is likely to have a greenhouse gas footprint no worse than the other fossil fuels that society currently depends on.”

Mr Davey’s department should concentrate on improving energy efficiency and supporting renewables

Friends of the Earth’s Andrew Pendleton

If used to produce electricity, figures suggest that shale’s carbon footprint would range from 423 – 535 g CO2e/kWh (e), roughly half the carbon footprint of coal, 837 – 1130 g CO2e/kWh (e).

 “We must make sure that the rigorous regulation we are putting in place is followed to the letter, to protect the local environment. We must pursue vigorously the development and deployment of technologies that will reduce emissions to protect the planet,” Davey said.

Commenting on the proposals outlined by Davey, Friends of the Earth’s head of campaigns Andrew Pendleton has slated the report, suggesting: “(That) instead of fracking, Mr Davey’s department should concentrate on improving energy efficiency and supporting renewables.”

However, Davey also suggested that: “Nobody can say, for sure, how much onshore UK shale gas resource exists or how much of it can be commercially extracted, so we can’t bank on shale gas to solve all our energy challenges, today or this decade.”