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17/04/2012
Controversial Fracking Operations Get Go-Ahead
The controversial drilling method, fracking, has been given the go-ahead following a report by experts presented to the government.
Despite having cause two earthquakes and causing serious doubts over the safety of the wells that have already been drilled., the advice of the first official British government report into fracking, published on Tuesday, is all but certain to be accepted by ministers.
The result could be thousands of new wells being drilled across the UK.
During hydraulic fracking a well is drilled hundreds of metres deep and pumped full of water, sand and chemicals in order to release methane gas. While the experts accept that two small earthquakes in Blackpool last year were caused by the operation, they have recommended it should be allowed on a wide scale.
The report, written by Peter Styles, professor at Keele University, Brian Baptie of the British Geological Survey, and Christopher Green, an independent fracking expert, found that fracking "should include a smaller pre-injection and monitoring stage", which did not take place at the existing sites, and called for "an effective monitoring system to provide near real-time locations and magnitudes of any seismic events [as] part of any future fracking operations".
Environmental groups are worried not just about the potential dangers from earth tremors caused by fracking, but about the effects on the UK's push to tackle climate change. Last month, the chancellor, George Osborne, and the new energy secretary, Ed Davey, launched a new "dash for gas" when they announced measures to encourage the building of new gas-fired power stations across the UK. Green groups argue this will put carbon-cutting targets out of reach, by locking in high-carbon emitting infrastructure and crowding out investment in renewables. "We should be developing the huge potential of clean British energy from the sun, wind and waves, not more dirty and dangerous fossil fuels," said Andy Atkins, the executive director of Friends of the Earth.
Despite having cause two earthquakes and causing serious doubts over the safety of the wells that have already been drilled., the advice of the first official British government report into fracking, published on Tuesday, is all but certain to be accepted by ministers.
The result could be thousands of new wells being drilled across the UK.
During hydraulic fracking a well is drilled hundreds of metres deep and pumped full of water, sand and chemicals in order to release methane gas. While the experts accept that two small earthquakes in Blackpool last year were caused by the operation, they have recommended it should be allowed on a wide scale.
The report, written by Peter Styles, professor at Keele University, Brian Baptie of the British Geological Survey, and Christopher Green, an independent fracking expert, found that fracking "should include a smaller pre-injection and monitoring stage", which did not take place at the existing sites, and called for "an effective monitoring system to provide near real-time locations and magnitudes of any seismic events [as] part of any future fracking operations".
Environmental groups are worried not just about the potential dangers from earth tremors caused by fracking, but about the effects on the UK's push to tackle climate change. Last month, the chancellor, George Osborne, and the new energy secretary, Ed Davey, launched a new "dash for gas" when they announced measures to encourage the building of new gas-fired power stations across the UK. Green groups argue this will put carbon-cutting targets out of reach, by locking in high-carbon emitting infrastructure and crowding out investment in renewables. "We should be developing the huge potential of clean British energy from the sun, wind and waves, not more dirty and dangerous fossil fuels," said Andy Atkins, the executive director of Friends of the Earth.
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18 June 2012
Protest Group Blockade Derbyshire Drilling Rig
Protesters are blockading a drilling rig in Derbyshire in opposition to the controversial fracking method of natural gas extraction. The 20-strong group, Frack Off, says it wants to prevent the rig moving from storage to a frack site in Lancashire.
Protest Group Blockade Derbyshire Drilling Rig
Protesters are blockading a drilling rig in Derbyshire in opposition to the controversial fracking method of natural gas extraction. The 20-strong group, Frack Off, says it wants to prevent the rig moving from storage to a frack site in Lancashire.
19 May 2014
Energy Firm To Submit Fracking Application
Lancashire County Council is to receive an application for fracking work at the Fylde coast, energy company Cuadrilla has announced.
Energy Firm To Submit Fracking Application
Lancashire County Council is to receive an application for fracking work at the Fylde coast, energy company Cuadrilla has announced.
20 November 2014
Chemical Giant To Invest In UK Shale Gas Extraction
Ineos is to invest around £640m ($1bn) in shale gas exploration and production in the UK, according to a report by the BBC. It is understood the company plan to use the gas as a raw material in its chemical plants such as Grangemouth.
Chemical Giant To Invest In UK Shale Gas Extraction
Ineos is to invest around £640m ($1bn) in shale gas exploration and production in the UK, according to a report by the BBC. It is understood the company plan to use the gas as a raw material in its chemical plants such as Grangemouth.
24 January 2014
'Fracking Could Boost Economy' - David Cameron
Prime Minister David Cameron has said that shale gas extraction through fracking could boost the UK economy and encourage the return of businesses. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, David Cameron said that fracking could be a "fresh driver" of UK growth, highlighting that it is already "flooring" energy prices in the US.
'Fracking Could Boost Economy' - David Cameron
Prime Minister David Cameron has said that shale gas extraction through fracking could boost the UK economy and encourage the return of businesses. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, David Cameron said that fracking could be a "fresh driver" of UK growth, highlighting that it is already "flooring" energy prices in the US.
13 December 2012
UK Fracking Given Green Light
Fracking has been given the go-ahead by the UK government, despite the controversy surrounding the technique. Fracking involves pumping a mixture of water, sand and chemicals into a well to force the gas from rock. The Energy Secretary Ed Davey said it was a potential new energy resource for the UK.
UK Fracking Given Green Light
Fracking has been given the go-ahead by the UK government, despite the controversy surrounding the technique. Fracking involves pumping a mixture of water, sand and chemicals into a well to force the gas from rock. The Energy Secretary Ed Davey said it was a potential new energy resource for the UK.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
