Fracking issue that has come to a head
S the UK’s first shipment of US shale gas arrived by boat in Scotland but struggled to dock in high winds, the inclement weather appeared to symbolise the fierce debate around the future of fracking.
Whether energy giant Ineos will eventually find the calm waters needed to take forward plans to frack in in this country, or whether public opinion pressure will blow them off course, remains unclear. But make no mistake, to frack or not to frack is one of the most important political and economic questions of the day; an increasing hunger for cheap and reliable energy, at a time of reducing reliance on fossil fuels when the geo-political situation grows more unstable, remains a difficult circle to square in most modern democracies. This makes it all the more crucial that our policy-makers examine the scientific evidence around this most controversial of energy sources (some say fracking is unsafe and damaging to the environment) and prepare themselves to take decisions that are pragmatic as well as politically expedient.
The Scottish Government’s moratorium on fracking bought some breathing space on this thorny issue. With experts due to start reporting back on safety and environmental impacts over the next few months, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon must prepare herself to finally grasp the thistle.
No matter which way she choose to go, Ms Sturgeon will have to carefully assess the political consequences for her party, many of those who joined the SNP after the independence referendum and, indeed, some of her own MPs (including Martyn Day whose Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency is directly affected by Ineos’s plans) who are ardently against fracking. Also, both UK and Scottish Labour are in favour of a ban.
The UK Government, meanwhile, and unions including the GMB are in favour. There are many voices to be heard, of course, not least those representing communities where the fracking would take place. But, primarily, the First Minister must judge what is best for the country as a whole at a time of continuing postBrexit economic fragility. Energy costs will be central to both business and household planning in the uncertain years to come.
Ineos chief Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear that fracking is a key part of his company’s future and, thus, the country’s entire energy output. His Grangemouth refinery, which employs 1,300 workers, produces the bulk of fuels used in Scotland and is thought to contribute three per cent of Scottish GDP. No business should force a government’s hand but, at the same time, it would be naive to think Ineos will not have some influence over future energy strategy.
Green energy has huge potential in Scotland, of course, and we should pursue the opportunities it offers. But it is not yet robust or cheap enough to meet our expanding energy needs. With this and the difficulties at present being experienced by the North Sea oil industry in mind, it is becoming increasingly clear that, if found to be safe and secure, fracking should form part of the mix. Whether Ms Sturgeon has the will to sanction this remains to be seen.