The BBC is reporting a story from The Independent that up to 60% of the UK could be subjected to fracking operations for shale gas.
The BBC quotes:
The BBC quotes:
The Energy department spokesman said: "There is a big difference between the amount of shale gas that might exist and what can be technically and commercially extracted.
"It is too early to assess the potential for shale gas but the suggestion more than 60% of the UK countryside could be exploited is nonsense.
John Sauven of Greenpeace is quoted as follows:"We have commissioned the British Geological Survey to do an assessment of the UK's shale gas resources, which will report its findings next year."
The government is currently considering a report by an independent panel of experts published in April on the future of fracking in the UK.
The report recommended fracking should continue, but under stricter regulations.
Environmental campaign group Greenpeace has said its own analysis shows the extent of potential shale sites is widespread.
Greenpeace Executive director John Sauven said: "Two thirds of England, including large swathes of countryside, is now under active consideration for a risky, polluting, expensive form of fossil fuel extraction.
"The potential for shale gas to bring down bills is overhyped, while experts agree local opposition is a serious threat to the industry's viability. (my italics)
Overhyped?
The only meaningful study of the economic effects of fracking and shale gas production requires a review of what is occurring in the World's largest energy user, the USA.
Consider these statistics from the US Department of Energy - Energy Information Administration (which boasts of providing Independent Statistics and Analysis).
Price per Thousand Cubic Feet of Natural Gas
February 2003 $7.98
July 2008 $ 15.64
September 2012 $8.17
I don't know about you but a reduction of more than 47% doesn't look like 'overhyped' to me.
Between January 2010 and September 2012, the US increased its daily production of Shale gas from 11 billion cubic feet to around 26 billion feet. This dramatic increase is only made possible by fracking - be very clear on this - and it is leading the US to lower energy prices and greater energy independence.
These facts are very easily available on the US Department of Energy site. We can expect that Greenpeace won't check things out and they certainly have no interest or requirement to present a balanced story. The BBC though, does.
Simple thing is, Greenpeace are not being truthful about the positive economic consequences of shale gas because they are obsessed with a renewables- only policy. They also don't care that the UK energy users are suffering more and more fuel poverty because of these ridiculous and excessive 'green taxes'.
