In a publically released report following a parliamentary inquiry, on 23 May 2011, the UK
Government has supported on-going shale gas drilling in UK. The report, which can be
accessed at the UK Parliament’s website (www.parliament.uk/eccpublications) included the
following findings or recommendations:
1 Safety
The inquiry found no evidence that the hydraulic fracturing process, known as
“fracking”, poses a direct threat to underground water aquifers provided the drilling
well is constructed properly. The committee concluded that, on balance, a moratorium
in the UK is not justified or necessary at present. The MP’s nevertheless urged the
Department of Energy and Climate Change to monitor drilling activity extremely
closely in its early stages in order to assess its impact on air and water quality.
2 Energy Security
The inquiry concluded that shale gas could reduce the UK’s dependence on imported
gas, but is unlikely to have dramatic effect on domestic gas prices.
3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The report noted that whilst greenhouse gas emissions from gas are lower than from
coal but are still higher than many low-carbon technologies. It also noted however that
gas would not be sufficient to meet long-term emissions reduction targets and avoid
the worst effects of global climate change.