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13/12/2012
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.
It is thought the technique could contribute significantly to energy security.
But he warned: "We are still in the very early stages of shale gas exploration in the UK and it is likely to develop slowly.
"It is essential that its development should not come at the expense of local communities or the environment. Fracking must be safe and the public must be confident that it is safe."
The firm Cuadrilla had its fracking project stopped after two tremors occurred near Blackpool. But the government says conditions have been imposed to minimise the risk of seismic activity.
Commenting on the potential environmental impact of fracking, Mr Davey asked: "Is it not better that we produce gas in this country than gas shipped half way across the world?"
He said greenhouse gases from shale gas in the UK could be only slightly greater than importing gas exploited in the conventional way.
The UK government hopes the introduction of shale gas could decrease energy prices, as it has in the US.
But the Committee on Climate Change has said relying on gas for future electricity supplies could lead to higher bills in the long run.
Caroline Flint, Labour's Shadow Energy Secretary, said: "Labour has always said that fracking should only go ahead if it is shown to be safe and environmentally sound. If the Government believes that this is the case then we will look carefully at their proposals."
(IT)
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.
It is thought the technique could contribute significantly to energy security.
But he warned: "We are still in the very early stages of shale gas exploration in the UK and it is likely to develop slowly.
"It is essential that its development should not come at the expense of local communities or the environment. Fracking must be safe and the public must be confident that it is safe."
The firm Cuadrilla had its fracking project stopped after two tremors occurred near Blackpool. But the government says conditions have been imposed to minimise the risk of seismic activity.
Commenting on the potential environmental impact of fracking, Mr Davey asked: "Is it not better that we produce gas in this country than gas shipped half way across the world?"
He said greenhouse gases from shale gas in the UK could be only slightly greater than importing gas exploited in the conventional way.
The UK government hopes the introduction of shale gas could decrease energy prices, as it has in the US.
But the Committee on Climate Change has said relying on gas for future electricity supplies could lead to higher bills in the long run.
Caroline Flint, Labour's Shadow Energy Secretary, said: "Labour has always said that fracking should only go ahead if it is shown to be safe and environmentally sound. If the Government believes that this is the case then we will look carefully at their proposals."
(IT)
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