The Government has today commissioned the British Geological
Survey to advise on the latest scientific evidence around shale
gas extraction.
Ministers have always been clear that the exploration of shale
gas reserves in England could only proceed if the science shows
that it is safe, sustainable and of minimal disturbance to those
living and working nearby.
In November 2019, Ministers announced a pause on activity in
England after a report by the North Sea Transition Authority
found it was not possible to accurately predict the
probability or magnitude of earthquakes linked to hydraulic
fracturing operations.
At the time, ministers confirmed the pause would remain in place
unless and until further evidence is provided that shale gas
extraction can be carried out safely. Any exploration or
development of shale gas would need to meet rigorous safety and
environmental protections both above ground and sub-surface.
While shale gas extraction is not the solution to near-term price
issues, it is right that all possible energy generation and
production methods are kept on the table following the unprovoked
invasion of Ukraine by President Putin’s regime.
Today’s request has been made to assess if any progress has been
made in the scientific understanding which underpins Government
policy, and to allow Ministers to consider next steps. A report
is expected before the end of June 2022.
Business and Energy Secretary said:
“We have always been, and always will be, guided by the science
on shale gas.
“It remains the case that fracking in England would take years of
exploration and development before commercial quantities of gas
could be produced for the market, and would certainly have no
effect on prices in the near term.
“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.”
The British Geological Survey has been asked to investigate:
- Whether there have been new developments in the science of
hydraulic fracturing – in particular, whether there are new
techniques in use which could reduce the risk and magnitude of
seismic events;
- If there are new techniques, whether scientists are confident
that they would be suitable for use in fracturing in the UK, with
its specific geology and high population density;
- Given any new developments in these technologies, how
the seismicity caused by fracturing compares to other
forms of underground energy production, such as geothermal, coal
mining, or surface activities such as construction, and the
evidence on the different “safe” thresholds for activity, whether
they remain the correct ones, and whether differences between
them remain justified;
- How the modelling of geologies such as shale has improved in
the period since the pause of fracturing was implemented in 2019
and whether that means Ministers could be completely confident
about the modelling of seismic events and their predictability;
and
- Whether there are other sites, outside of Lancashire, which
might be at a lower risk of seismic activity and what level of
confidence Government would have in the assessment of seismic
activity in these areas
In commissioning this work, the Government is clear that this
should be a desk-based exercise by the British Geological Survey,
and so no drilling of any further test wells or seismic
monitoring will take place.
Notes to Editors:
- The British Geological Survey (BGS) advises the UK Government
on all aspects of geoscience, as well as providing impartial
advice on geological matters to the public, academics and
industry. BGS is a component body of UK Research and Innovation.
- A copy of the letter from Business and Energy Secretary
to the British Geological
Survey setting out the terms of reference for their work can be
found here. A report
is expected before the end of June 2022.
- In November 2019 Ministers announced a pause on hydraulic
fracturing – details of which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-ends-support-for-fracking
