‘Uncertainty’ clouds UK shale future
7 Jul 2016
A report published by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) reveals there is major uncertainty over the implications of UK shale gas exploitation for greenhouse gas emissions.
The report also finds that fracking on an industrial scale would not be compatible with UK carbon budgets or the 2050 commitment to reduce emissions by at least 80%, unless three tests are satisfied.
The tests advise that: emissions must be strictly limited during shale gas development, production and well decommissioning; overall gas consumption must remain in line with UK carbon budgets; and emissions from shale gas production must be accommodated within UK carbon budgets.
Existing uncertainties over the nature of the exploitable shale gas resource and the potential size of a UK industry make it impossible to know how difficult it will be to meet the tests
Jim Skea, member of the Committee on Climate Change
The CCC said that because the UK’s shale industry is still in its infancy, it is unclear whether the tests will be easily met.
Jim Skea, member of the Committee on Climate Change, said: “Existing uncertainties over the nature of the exploitable shale gas resource and the potential size of a UK industry make it impossible to know how difficult it will be to meet the tests.
“Clarification of the regulation of the sector will also be needed. The Committee on Climate Change will provide ongoing, independent assessment of whether these tests are being met.”
The Committee also said it will assess the government’s forthcoming Emissions Reduction Plan – which will set out how the government will meet the fourth and fifth carbon budgets – in light of the possible development of a UK shale gas industry.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has welcomed the report.
Jenifer Baxter, head of energy and environment at the IMechE, said: "The Committee on Climate Change is right to suggest there are strict limits on methane leaks from the extraction, storage and transportation of natural gas as well as restrictions on gas consumption and carbon output imposed on any UK shale gas project.
"Sites must be closely monitored by both the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure environmental impact assessments are carried out and appropriate well depth and integrity is maintained."
Meanwhile, Averil Macdonald chairman of UKOOG, the trade association for the UK’s onshore oil and gas industry said the report "confirms what we have long maintained – that shale gas production is compatible with the country’s need to reduce emissions".
“The report also shows that shale gas has lower lifecycle emissions than imported LNG. As an industry, we look forward to continuing to work proactively with regulators to minimise fugitive emissions from our operations.”
