Gas fracking process to resume in UK for shale gas

Gas fracking plans were put on hold after two tremors were felt near Blackpool, but the Government now give the go-ahead

16:55 13 December 2012

On Thursdaythe government gave permission for gas fracking to continue after it was suspended around 18months ago. The process of drilling for shale gas can now resume, although there has been an emphasis put on the fact that it must be safe to do so.

 

This concerns the company Cuadrilla who want to use the fracking technique in Lancashire to discover shale gas. Plans to extract the gas were put on hold after there were two tremors felt near the northern seaside town of Blackpool.

 

Although, it is understood there are to be certain aspects put in place to ensure the potential risk of further tremors are reduced.

 

There are other concerns with regards to fracking however, with environmentalists relating to the events that unfolded in America following the process of fracking that took place there. It is claimed that the gas extraction was linked to pollution.

 

Some critics are also worried about any controversy that may arise in the UK, and that this could relate to the future of the UK’s countryside.

 

The Shadow Energy Secretary for Labour, Caroline Flint, pointed out however, that fracking could help the UK to deal with its energy pricing problem. She said, as reported by the BBC: “But the idea that this form of gas extraction can have the same impact here in the UK as it has had on gas prices in the United States is considered wishful thinking by most experts.”

 

The Energy Secretary, Ed Davey, has expressed that the process of fracking can be carried out if it is safe.

 

Fracking is where there are explosions made underground to release the gas found there. Water and chemicals are thought to be involved in the process.