Cuadrilla Sees No Need for Fracking in Balcombe

UK-based Cuadrilla revised its plans to tap resources in Sussex, saying it would not carry out any hydraulic fracturing in the area as the formation already contains ‘natural fractures’.

‘The presence of these natural fractures and the nature of the rock means that we don not intend to hydraulically fracture the exploration well … now or in the future,’ reads the note. 

After a long summer of protests in the area, the oil and gas explorer made clear that the first step would be a vertical well, which would be followed by a horizontal well in case the vertical drilling would turn out to be not enough. Fracking would be only the last-ditch measure. 

The company wrote the residents of Balcombe and Friends of the Earth replied. 

“While residents will undoubtedly be relieved that Cuadrilla has ruled out fracking at its Balcombe site, the community still faces the prospect of significant industrial activity on its doorstep. Local people will want more information about Cuadrilla’s plans and the potential impacts on their community and environment,” FoE’s Brenda Pollack commented, mentioning other fracking projects in Sussex.

In October, British energy company Cuadrilla Resources ruled out Anna’s Road site near Westby to focus on shale gas exploration in other sites. 

“We are looking at a number of possible locations and have decided to rule out Anna’s Road so we can focus on other sites, which we believe show greater potential at this time,” Cuadrilla’s CEO Francis Egas said in a note.