TECHNICALITIES OF PROCESS

The process of obtaining consent to drill a well is the same whether the well targets conventional or unconventional gas.

First, operators bid for exclusive rights to an area in competitive licence rounds. These areas are known as Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences.

The Oil and Gas Authority is now responsible for issuing the licences. Previously this responsibility belonged to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The operator then needs the landowner’s and planning permission, which may require an environmental impact assessment. They also need environmental permits from the relevant environment regulator such as the Environment Agency.

The operator must notify the Health and Safety Executive of the well design and operation plans at least 21 days before drilling is due to start.

Third Energy secured permission from North Yorkshire County Council in 2016 to use an existing gas well in Kirby Misperton to run test fracks almost two miles underground.

The company had hoped to begin fracking at its KM8 well, which was sunk for conventional gas extraction in 2013, before the end of 2017.

Business Secretary Greg Clark announced this week that the 13 technical requirements before final consent for fracking can be given, which cover issues such as environmental protections, planning conditions and monitoring, had been met for the site. The company is waiting for final approval from the Government to undertake fracking – for shale gas which has been the focus of ongoing protests.