Government ends support for UK fracking
KEY POINTS
- It is not currently possible to accurately predict the probability or magnitude of earthquakes linked to fracking operations
- The government confirmed that it will not be taking forward proposed planning reforms for shale gas developments
- "After reviewing the OGA’s report into recent seismic activity at Preston New Road, it is clear that we cannot rule out future unacceptable impacts on the local community."
Fracking will not be allowed to proceed in England, the government has announced, following the publication of new scientific analysis.
Article continues below
Topics: FRACKING UK
Ministers have always been clear that the exploration of England’s shale gas reserves could only proceed if the science shows that it is safe
Fracking already takes place across the world including in the US, Canada and Argentina. However, exploratory work to determine whether shale could be a new domestic energy source, delivering benefits for our economy and energy security, has now been paused unless and until further evidence is provided that it can be carried out safely here.
Ministers have always been clear that the exploration of England’s shale gas reserves could only proceed if the science shows that it is safe, sustainable and of minimal disturbance to those living and working nearby. For that reason, government introduced tight planning controls through the Infrastructure Act 2015 and set strict limits on seismicity, in consultation with industry.
On the basis of the disturbance caused to residents living near Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road site in Lancashire and this latest scientific analysis, the government has announced a moratorium on fracking until compelling new evidence is provided.
The government also confirmed today that it will not be taking forward proposed planning reforms for shale gas developments at this time. These proposals were consulted on in 2018 but will not be implemented now.
Business and Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: "Whilst acknowledging the huge potential of UK shale gas to provide a bridge to a zero carbon future, I’ve also always been clear that shale gas exploration must be carried out safely. In the UK, we have been led by the best available scientific evidence, and closely regulated by the Oil and Gas Authority, one of the best regulators in the world.
"After reviewing the OGA’s report into recent seismic activity at Preston New Road, it is clear that we cannot rule out future unacceptable impacts on the local community." ■