In 2019, ministers imposed a moratorium on fracking, which pumps water, chemicals and sand underground under high pressure to break up shale rocks and release trapped oil and gas. The decision – a reversal of previous policies – came after a scientific study warned that “unacceptable” consequences could not be ruled out for those living near fracking sites, as the quakes were felt near locations in Lancashire. But the issue of fracking has resurfaced as the government seeks to reduce its rapid energy bills and secure its own oil and gas supplies in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Read more: Wind farms, nuclear and fracking – what is likely to include an energy security strategy? Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:41 When fracking stopped in 2019 The Energy Security Strategy will be released on Thursday after almost a month of delays – believed to be due to the Ministry of Finance not being satisfied with the long-term costs involved, especially nuclear. Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng told the British Geological Survey (BGS) on Tuesday that he was “advising on the latest scientific advice on shale gas extraction” – otherwise known as fracking. He stressed that this would be an “office-based exercise”, therefore “no further drilling will be carried out for testing or seismic monitoring”. Mr Kwarteng said: “We have always been and will always be guided by the science of shale gas. “The fact remains that fracking in England would take years of exploration and development before commercial quantities of natural gas could be produced for the market and would certainly have no effect on prices in the short term. “However, there will continue to be a steady demand for oil and gas in the coming decades as we move to cheap renewable energy and new nuclear power. In the light of Putin’s criminal invasion of Ukraine, it is absolutely right to explore all possible domestic sources.” energy. “However, unless the latest scientific evidence proves that shale gas extraction is safe, sustainable and has little inconvenience to those living and working nearby, the cessation in England will remain in effect.” Image: Cuadrilla’s boss said fracking could help boost energy prices and dependence on other countries. Photo: Cuadrilla The BGS was asked to consider whether there are new fracking techniques that reduce the risk and magnitude of earthquakes, whether they would be suitable for the UK and how seismic fracking activity compares to other forms of underground power generation or activities such as construction. He was also asked to investigate how shale modeling has improved since 2019 and whether this means the government could be absolutely sure of its forecasts. Ministers also asked the BGS to see if there were any locations other than Lancashire that might be at lower risk of seismic activity. Last week, power producer Cuadrilla had until June 2023 to close the three shale gas test wells in Lancashire. It had previously been ordered to concrete the wells by June 30 this year following the effective fracking ban in 2019. Image: Pic: Crew The government is coming under increasing pressure to reconsider its position on fracking as energy prices rise, and Boris Johnson has called on Europe to wean itself off Russian oil and gas. Cuadrilla CEO Francis Egan said the resumption of fracking would help reduce and “potentially stop” expensive gas imports from abroad, including to Russia. On Monday, Brexit Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg downgraded earthquake risks from fracking and suggested that “every last drop” of oil should be extracted from the North Sea. Downing Street did not appear to have ruled out a moratorium earlier in the day, saying the moratorium “remains” but said the war in Ukraine meant the government had to “consider all possible options for improving its domestic energy supply”. However, Energy Secretary Greg Hunts said: “Fracking is not the answer to short-term issues.”
