Shale Stirs Debate in Scotland

An application by coal bed methane specialist Composite Energy Ltd. to drill Scotland’s first shale gas well is generating attention.

Composite hopes to receive approval to conduct a test boring of 2000 metres deep at its Airth CBM pilot near Falkirk prior to year.

Environmental groups fear that drilling will be followed by hydraulic fracturing operations to exact the gas.

Dr. Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland, urged authorities to follow the example of France, and ban fracking before it starts.

However, spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “Unconventional gas offers huge potential as long as development and use is consistent with environmental objectives.”

He added: “Significant amounts of unconventional gas are now being found all over the world and untapped energy sources such as coal-bed methane offer huge potential to extend the life of gas reserves. Gas will continue to play an important role in our energy use for many years.”

In February 2011 Composite Energy became a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian listed Dart Energy Limited.

Source: Herald Scotland