Fracking

Natural gas extraction through hydraulic fracturing (fracking) involves the high pressure penetration of fluid into shale rock sites known as plays Fracking produces shale gas, an unconventional fossil fuel Technological advances helped fracking become cost effective in the mid 1990s The energy mix of the USA has been transformed by shale gas Some predictions show the USA as the world's largest hydrocarbon producer by 2020, overtaking Saudi Arabia and Russia The UK government wants to promote shale gas production because North Sea gas production is in terminal decline In France, fracking has been banned due to health concerns How is it done? At drilling sites the water, sand and chemical mix is injected vertically and horizontally to depths of 3km The process triggers tiny explosions that disintergrate the hard shale to release methane gas trapped inside. The gas flows out to the head of the well Enormous amounts of waste water are generated by the process

View from the UK: British geological survey estimates UK has 1300-1700 trillion cubic feet of shale gas Exploration is led by Cuadrilla and IGas. Both companies are interested in Northwest England where Bowland Shale holds 400-500 trillion cubic feet Large reserves lie below southeast Englands Weald Basin too. It is a highly populated area with high property prices. Local opposition to exploratory drilling can be expected. Protests have already erupted in Balcombe "British government believes that shale gas has the potential to provide the UK with greater energy security, growth and jobs" [quote from UK gov. website] UK Government and Fracking: Want to promote it Want energy security - economic factors often win 1 well can last 20 years

Three big fracking issues:Safety: The local environment can be damaged by fracking - it has been linked to seismic activity Nasty effects include methane leaks and filthy flow back water Millions of gallons of used fracking liquid must be disposed of Some of the 260 fracking chemicals used in USA are carcinogenic Security: With peak oil fast approaching, shale gas could provide energy security in the short and medium term The Fukishima explosion left people feeling scared of nuclear power Energy pathways to the Middle Eastern oil fields could lose their strategic importance reducing geopolitical tensions Ethics: Shale gas is a fossil fuel and will not help us with climate change mitigation The low cost of shale gas encourages governments to abandon renewable energy sources Is this the right source for sustainable development