Royal Georgraphical Society: Shale Gas Won’t Meet Future U.K. Energy Needs

In a presentation to the annual international conference of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in Edinburgh today (Tuesday 3 July 2012) Professor Mike Bradshaw, Department of Geography, University of Leicester, will argue that a ‘perfect storm’ of multiple failures is developing around UK energy policy.

Commenting on his research Professor Bradshaw said: “There is a high degree of risk and uncertainty associated with every element of the UK’s energy strategy – whether that’s energy efficiency, renewable energy, or carbon capture and storage.

Over recent years the UK has become ever more dependent on the import of gas to supply our energy needs, presenting risks for future energy security.

“Coming together these could result into an ever greater reliance of gas, at a time when its price is likely to increase because of growing demand from countries including China and India.”

Professor Bradshaw does not agree with the views of some commentators that present shale gas extraction as the solution to future gas and energy security issues,

“Shale gas is unlikely to be a game-changer in the UK”  says Bradshaw, commenting that significant levels of exploitation are unlikely for many years, due to substantial logistical and environmental challenges.