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The Committee on Climate Change has published a new analysis of fracking and the UK climate targets.
Dr Simon Harrison, Chair of the IET Energy Policy Panel, said:
“We will not know for several years how much shale gas there is under the UK and whether it is suitable for exploitation. It is also worth noting that shale gas obtained by fracking is more expensive than conventional gas – and in the UK its final price will be determined by the European gas market. This means that energy prices for the consumer are unlikely to fall significantly as a result of UK fracked gas.
“Shale gas has some potential to increase energy security, but will only bring climate change benefits if it is used instead of coal. If it is used to displace imported gas there will be no climate change benefits at all.”
Prof Richard Davies, lead for the ReFINE project at Newcastle University, said:
“To do what the Committee on Climate Change recommend, and do it transparently, could force the UK to develop the world’s best ‘smart’ monitoring technologies for emissions from well sites. There will be new business opportunities if a shale industry takes off.
“The USA coined the term ‘super-emitter’ – a low number of activities which cause the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. We should not make the same errors. These recommendations should be welcomed.
“ReFINE research shows that methane emissions from existing hydrocarbon wells in the UK are extremely low, often equivalent to natural emissions from grazing sheep. But there has been very little fracking in the UK, and with the recent planning consent for fracking near Kirby Misperton we need to monitor each operation closely.”
Declared interests
Prof Davies: ‘ReFINE has been funded by the EA, NERC, EU, Total, Shell, Chevron, GDF Suez, Centrica and Ineos but is neutral on fracking and our research is independent of these funders.’
Dr Harrison: none declared