Government clears way for fracking to begin in UK

Shale developer can start operations in Lancashire despite test drills being linked with earth tremors

AFTER a decade of deliberation and political debate, a shale developer has cleared the final hurdle to begin fracking for shale gas in the UK for the first time.

Government ministers granted Cuadrilla a final consent order days before the summer parliamentary recess, clearing the way for the firm to frack Britain’s first onshore shale gas well at Lancashire’s Preston New Road site.

Cuadrilla, which was founded in 2007, plans to apply for another consent order for its second well on the same site before carrying out the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing to test the flows of gas from both wells over a six-month period.

The “momentous” milestone marks the first time that fracking has been approved to take place in the UK since debate over the potentially risky gas extraction method first began in 2007.

The UK is thought to hold vast untapped reserves shale gas within layers of underground rock formations.

But political support for the contentious plans to exploit this natural resource has ebbed and flowed with each successive government, against a backdrop of fierce local opposition and sliding public opinion.

Commenting on the Government’s decision to issue the fracking permit Claire Perry, Energy and Clean Growth Minister, said she had “carefully considered Cuadrilla’s application” and was “content that hydraulic fracturing consent should be granted in this instance”.

Francis Egan, Cuadrilla boss, said the final consent is a testament to its strong track record “in compliance with robust health, safety, environmental and planning regulations”.

Despite the UK’S strict safety standards Cuadrilla’s pursuit of shale gas has ignited fears in the past after earth tremors in the Blackpool area were linked to its test drilling work.

The incident resulted in a temporary moratorium on fracking, which was lifted after a report suggested that it could go ahead under strict rules.

Mr Egan has consistently maintained that fracking is safe, and said following

‘We will bring back home the jobs, investment and revenues lost by outsourcing our energy needs’

the green light that it “will make a major contribution to reducing the UK’S gas imports and improving our environment and economy”.

Critics of fracking fear that its use of chemicals and sand, blasted into the fractures between shale formations to release trapped methane, could contaminate the water table or lead to seismic tremors.

In response supporters of the nascent shale gas industry insist that fracking can be carried out safely, and will bring a flood of economic benefits as a result.

Ken Cronin, of UK Onshore Oil and Gas, said: “By doing this we will bring back home the job opportunities, investment and tax revenues lost by outsourcing our energy needs while securing our energy future and signalling that the UK is beholden to no one now or into the future.”

He added: “At a time when the UK, and indeed the whole of Europe, is becoming ever more dependent on imported fuels it is very encouraging that we are taking steps to reverse the trend.”