Shale gas Task Force call for exploratory drilling to begin

Exploratory drilling should start “as soon as possible” the independent Task Force on shale gas has recommended in its final report so the public can make an informed decision on whether to support the industry.

The report on shale gas production in the UK has found that it can be produced safely as long as the “strictest” environmental standards are in place.

Task Force chair Chris Smith said the evidence is “clear” that provided the recommended standards are in place there is “no more risk” to the public from fracking than other comparable industries.

Smith said the public would only be able to make an informed decision on whether they support shale gas once there is a clearer picture of how much gas can be recovered and is therefore recommending “a number” of exploratory wells should be allowed to go ahead under the “very strict” environmental safeguards outlined in previous reports.

The Task Force therefore concludes that exploratory drilling should start as soon as possible to establish how much gas is available.

Smith said: “The risk from shale gas to the local environment or to public health is no greater than that associated with comparable industries provided, as with all industrial works, that operators follow best practice.”

While the Task Force is “convinced” shale gas has a role to play as an interim energy source over the short and medium term it insists that exploratory drilling should not restrict or prohibit the ongoing development of the low-carbon energy industry.

The Task Force make a number of further recommendations including for full transparency by operators of the chemical content of materials used and that local residents should have a direct role in monitoring any operations.

The Task Force is also disappointed at the government’s decision to withdraw its support for carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects after calling on the government to commit to applying its energy specific revenue to CCS.