The Scotsman: Elements must be in place to develop shale sector

Many may now feel the momentum swinging towards shale exploration in this country, with the news that Ineos is to share £2.5 billion of rewards with homeowners and communities.

However, the Scottish Government has promised “an evidence-based, cautious and considered” approach to developing shale gas and it is worth reflecting that a great deal needs to be right before any operations can begin.

There is no doubt that shale exploration has revolutionised the US energy landscape and both the UK and Scottish governments are certainly open to the idea of developing it as a resource here.

Realising the potential from shale gas, nonetheless, is at least five to 10 years away and there are a lot of critical factors – beyond the simple presence of shale gas and a supportive tax regime – that all have to be right before these resources can be commercially developed.
MORE