As of today, the ban on fracking in England has been lifted, allowing companies to induce larger tremors in an effort to begin gas extraction.
Jacob Rees-Mogg made it plain that the restriction of 0.5 on the Richter scale will be lowered, conceding that mining would not occur otherwise.
Following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the Business Secretary has announced the lifting of the temporary embargo, stating that the measure will assist enhance energy security.
However, Liz Truss has emphasized that any initiatives will require local support, suggesting that local residents could receive energy bill savings in exchange for their agreement.
Concerned about earthquakes, the 2019 Conservative platform vowed not to repeal England’s embargo on fracking unless it was scientifically demonstrated to be safe.
The government said today that a long-awaited British Geological Survey review found that additional evidence was required, necessitating additional drilling.
Mr. Rees-Mogg has advocated for this technology, and Ms. Truss has stated that gas extraction might begin within six months. It is commonly used in the United States, although there are worries that the United Kingdom is significantly more densely inhabited.
Mr. Rees-Mogg stated on BBC Newsnight, “The seismic limitations will be examined to determine a proportionate level.” At a magnitude of 0.5 on the Richter scale, which is only detectable with specialized equipment, it is reasonable that fracking would not occur; this level is too low.
“However, I cannot confirm a new level, as this is currently under consideration.”
Following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Jacob Rees-Mogg has confirmed the lifting of the temporary ban on fracking, stating that the measure will assist strengthen energy security. Photograph shows the Cuadrilla site in Preston
Mr. Rees-Mogg has made it plain that the limit of 0.5 on the Richter scale for earthquakes caused by hydraulic fracturing will be lowered, acknowledging that otherwise no mining would occur.
When asked if she feels fracking is safe or if she is violating a manifesto promise, Ms. Truss emphasized the necessity to develop new energy sources amid a situation exacerbated by Vladimir Putin’s battle in Ukraine.
“The context here is that we do not have sufficient domestic energy supply,” she told reporters accompanying her to a UN summit in New York.
“Fracking is an element of the energy mix; we should consider all possibilities. No option should be ruled out for enhancing our energy security, as this is the most pressing problem we face.
We will not move forward with anything that poses a risk, but energy security is essential.
Additionally, she emphasized that the government will only permit fracking in regions where local support exists. It is yet unclear what incentives will be provided.
The Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) stated that future applications will be considered “where there is local support” now that the restriction has been lifted.
Before beginning operations, developers must have the proper licenses, permissions, and consents in place.
Commissioned earlier this year, the Government also released the British Geological Survey’s scientific study of shale gas extraction.
BEIS stated that the review “acknowledged that our current understanding of UK geology and onshore shale resources is inadequate, as well as the challenges of modeling geological activity in the somewhat complex geology that is occasionally encountered in UK shale settings.”
The government claimed that the lack of knowledge should not be an impediment to fracking, but rather a reason to drill more wells in order to collect more information.
It is evident that more sites must be drilled in order to collect better data and strengthen the evidence basis, and we are aware that certain developers are eager to assist with this process, according to a BEIS statement.
Liz Truss (seen in New York this week) has emphasized that any initiatives will require local support, suggesting that local citizens could receive energy bill savings in exchange for their support.
Lifting the moratorium on shale gas extraction will enable the collection of these additional data through drilling, thereby enhancing our understanding of the UK’s shale gas resources and how to safely conduct shale gas extraction in the United Kingdom where there is local support.
The North Sea Transition Authority is set to conduct a new oil and gas licensing round in early October, as indicated by the government.
This is anticipated to result in the issuance of over a hundred new licenses for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
Environmental groups criticized the decision to lift the prohibition, with Greenpeace energy security campaigner Philip Evans saying that hydraulic fracturing is a “dud.”
“As energy experts continue to inform ministers, digging for more fossil fuels – whether it’s fracking or North Sea oil and gas – will not lower bills, reduce our dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets, or reduce our carbon emissions.
And fracking may not even be effective. Even when the government went “all out for shale,” the frackers did not produce any energy for the United Kingdom, but they did manage to create two holes in a muddy field, traffic, noise, and a mountain of debate,’ he claimed.