Blackpool Drilling Brings Fracking Debate to the UK

An article in The Independent, UK joins 'gas rush' despite pollution fears, examines the concerns about the process of hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” involved in the drilling of shale gas wells.

Lichfield, Staffs based Cuadrilla Resources, has been exploring the Bowland shales near Blackpool in Lancashire for the last year.

Last month, Cuadrilla's major shareholder, the Australian mining company AJ Lucas, described its Blackpool test well as the "first 'true' shale gas well ever drilled in Europe” adding that the finds "confirm and possibly exceed expectations".  (Read more HERE)

Later this month, Cuadrilla will carry out a test using fracking technique, which is designed to unlock gas molecules trapped in hard rock, rather than those, which have gathered into easily exploitable pockets or reservoirs. Its test in Blackpool will decide if the well is commercially viable by the end of the year.

35,000 wells have been drilled in the United States using this technique and the process is already meeting 10 per cent of the country's gas demands.

This success has led to a "gas rush", with companies exploring across Europe, India and China for shale gas deposits. There are thought to be huge amounts in Holland and Poland.

Supporters of hydraulic fracturing say it could unleash so much gas across the globe that it will solve the energy crisis for the next century, as well as help reduce carbon emissions. Cuadrilla believes shale gas could potentially meet up to 10 per cent of the UK's energy needs.

Opponents claim that the use of the process in America has resulted in gas contaminating water supplies. Much attention has been given to the documentary film 'Gasland', which is to released in Britain later this month.

Environmental groups cite that not enough is known about the potential adverse effects of the process. Blackpool Green Party and is demanding an immediate moratorium on drilling and further work at the Blackpool site

Shale gas proponents say focus is being placed on two or three incidents from thousands of wells. The organization Energy In Depth has provided factual information on shale gas drilling and fracking at its site.

Cuadrilla co-founder Chris Cornelius said: "There are certain cases in the US where certain operators have been documented as having some issues and they do exist but I think we have done everything here, working with the Health and Safety Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that it doesn't happen on Cuadrilla's location."