Researchers say UK Government "Hype" on Shale Gas Rings Hollow

Research released by the respected UK Energy Research Centre indicates that the UK government has "overhyped" the potential of potential of the shale gas industry.

UKERC research director Prof. Jim Watson said that ministers were guilty of over-selling claims that shale gas would boost UK energy security and help reduce bills when there was little grounds for such optimism.

"It is very frustrating to keep hearing that shale gas is going to solve our energy problems - there's no evidence for that whatsoever... it's hype," Watson said."

"Where the government has gone wrong is just talking this whole thing up... as if it was going to reduce consumer bills and tackle our energy security problems in a substantial way any time soon. I think that was very premature. The framing of it was oversold."

The Imperial College based group found shale gas was unlikely to become a primary resource within the next 10 years, and that the UK was unlikely to follow in the footsteps of America, whose shale gas industry has contributed to increasing energy self-sufficiency.

"Any talk of shale gas making the UK self-sufficient again, let alone allowing significant exports, is far-fetched,” said the report.

Fellow author Dr Christophe McGlade, Research Associate at University College London said: “There is really no evidence that there will be a huge boom in the UK. Where the government got its rhetoric from I’ve no idea. Absolutely explore, but stop banking on this idea that shale is going to be plentiful and cheap.”

The Cameron government drove on with its support of the nascent industry, with energy minister Matthew Hancock stating that “shale was essential for economic growth."

On Wednesday, Hancock unveiled plans for a new National College for onshore oil and gas and described shale gas as "an enormous opportunity for the UK and one that we simply can’t afford to miss out on."