BBC fracking documentary pulls in 1.3 million

A documentary on the controversial practice of fracking for shale gas brought in 1.3 million viewers to BBC2 last night, according to unofficial overnight figures, and ignited debate on social media last night.

‘Fracking – The New Energy Rush’ followed geologist Professor Iain Stewart, who was recently awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, as he addressed the potential energy boon from shale gas exploratory sites in Lancashire in the UK to a Pennsylvania drilling site where he challenged the the lack of transparency in the US regarding the chemicals involved in the process. He also watched as a scientist tested the levels of methane in a rural well by setting light to the gas that escaped.

Views on social media site Twitter ranged from @sharesmagsteve who said “thought last night’s show eye-opening, if a bit padded. Not damning I was expecting” to @charlotteselvey who tweeted “thank you Iain Stewart, the evidence surely lies in the water you can set on fire!”

Writing about the programme on his blog, television presenter Robert Llewellyn said: “We are being cajoled through various outlets to feel good about fracking because ladies and gentlemen, we are about to be fracked. Just wait until there are 40 drilling derricks on the horizon.”

The issue of shale gas exploration hit the headlines again earlier this month with announcement that Centrica, the parent company of British gas had bought a 25 per cent stake in a UK shale gas exploration licence.

The £40 million deal will see British Gas’ parent company take 25 per cent interest in the Bowland exploration licence from Cuadrilla and AJ Lucas.