Ecotricity makes green gas applications at fracking sites

Green energy firm Ecotricity has put in planning applications for green gas mills on proposed fracking sites to “challenge the shale gas industry”.

The company has applied to construct green gas mills at two potential fracking sites in Lancashire: Preston New Road, which was rejected by Lancashire Council but approved by the government; and Roseacre Wood, which was also rejected by Lancashire councillors but is expected to be approved by the government.

The applications are part of a wider strategic campaign to prevent shale gas exploitation, highlight the lack of democracy in the planning process and illustrate there is an alternative way to produce gas.

The company has also financially supported the legal action taken by communities against fracking at Ryedale in Yorkshire and Balcombe in West Sussex.

In a new report released last month – Green Gas: The Opportunity for Britain – Ecotricity unveiled a national plan for Britain to get its gas through a new and sustainable method, using species-rich grass grown on farmland.

The report found that there is enough grassland to provide almost all of Britain’s household gas demand by 2035 and, in the process, create a new industry supporting 150,000 jobs and pumping £7.5 billion into the economy every year.

The company recently won planning permission to build its first green gas mill in Hampshire – one of six sites in development.

Ecotricity founder Dale Vince said: “Local opposition to fracking is simply being ignored – it’s the most unpopular energy source ever, but it’s being forced on people by the government.

“We want to show that there’s an alternative to fracking – and start a local debate in the areas directly affected by it, in the same way we want to start a debate at the national level, including the House of Commons.

“It’s important not just to oppose fracking, but to have an answer as to where Britain is going to get its gas from as North Sea supplies run out.

“Green gas is the new option – this is something that local communities should be able to choose instead of fracking, and something the government should now consider.

“It’s not too late to prevent fracking – it hasn’t really started yet. We’ve unveiled a new way of making gas – it’s a viable alternative to fracking, and the right thing to do in light of this new option is to have a proper review of where we’re going to get our gas in Britain.

“That’s why we’re calling on Theresa May to think again and look at green gas as the genuine alternative.”