Fracking ban lifted: Q&A
As the UK Government lifts a ban on shale gas fracking, here is an explanation of how the process works and why it is so controversial.
Britain has sizeable resources of shale gas underneath the Pennines, some of the home counties and parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, meaning it could be a cheaper alternative to importing fossil fuels. Photo: ALAMY
By Nick Collins, Science Correspondent, The Telegraph UK, 13 Dec 2012
What is Fracking?
Hydraulic Fracturing is a method used to extract natural gas from shale rock formations in which it is trapped.
Engineers drill a hole deep into the rock where the gas is trapped, and then inject a mixture of sand, water and chemicals into the hole at an extremely high pressure.
This causes the rock to split, releasing the gas into the well so that it can be brought up to the surface.
Why bother?
The natural gas, which is produced and trapped in rock formations following the breakdown of organic matter, is in such high demand it is known as "energy gold".
Britain has sizeable resources of shale gas underneath the Pennines, some of the home counties and parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, meaning it could be a cheaper alternative to importing fossil fuels.
What's the problem with Fracking?
Fracking has been linked to a variety of environmental concerns including the contamination of groundwater supplies, air pollution and seismic activity, although there has so far been little consensus on any of these points.
One major report earlier this year found that the risk of water sources being contaminated was no higher with fracking than other drilling processes, and that most pollution was due to mistakes made at ground level such as spillage of waste water.
But another study recently claimed that emissions released into the atmosphere during the process could cause headaches and breathing problems in people living up to half a mile away.
The Blackpool earthquake was the first direct evidence of fracking causing seismic activity, but the report's authors argue there is only a minimal risk of a tremor big enough to damage any buildings or people.
What is the current situation in Britain?
Most drilling projects are happening in the US, where the technique has been used for decades, and Britain is at a comparatively early stage of exploration.
Cuadrilla suspended its project in Lancashire following the Blackpool earthquake, but will likely be given the green light to resume provided it complies with new safety provisions.
Related Articles: