City A.M: Welsh shale gas could boost UK energy security

The UK’S nascent shale gas industry got an extra boost today, after a Welsh Affairs Committee report said the resource “represents an opportunity for Wales” and could help ensure the UK’s energy security.

“Gas will continue to play a significant part in the UK’s energy mix for the foreseeable future,” said the report. “In addition to using other sources of energy, it is therefore vital that the UK identify new sources of gas if it is to safeguard the UK’s security of supply.”

There is a lack of data into Welsh shale gas reserves, but energy firms such as Coastal Oil and Gas have undertaken exploratory drilling and spoken of the region’s rich potential.

The report said the UK and Welsh governments should work with firms to produce reserve estimates of shale gas in Wales by the end of the year.
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