Comment on possible fracking extension

Commenting on reports that regulator the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has written to fracking company Cuadrilla asking if the firm wants a year-long extension on the existing 30 June deadline to concrete its wells [1], Dr Simon Cran-McGreehin, Head of Analysis at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said: “With many experts doubtful of fracking’s ability to produce any meaningful quantities of gas, it’s not a reliable option for boosting energy security, quite apart from its unpopularity with the public. A combination of insulation and heat pumps means less gas-dependent households, lower bills and no need to drill for or buy gas in the first place.

“The Climate Change Committee advises that there should be stringent tests on any new UK oil and gas production [2]. New fields won’t come online for many years and it warns of the risk of expensive stranded assets.”

ENDS