Sunday, 27 July 2014
All fracked out before we’ve begun?
‘How’s this for a paradox? Fracking has just suffered its greatest setback yet in Britain – in the week that has perhaps done most to make the case for it. For, even as concern about Europe’s energy security escalated following the downing of MH17, a planning application by a shale company was rejected for the first time.
West Sussex county council’s planning committee unanimously refused to allow Celtique Energie to drill through shale rocks near the ancient village of Wisborough Green in the shadow of the South Downs – an exploratory exercise that could have led to fracking. And in doing so – exactly a year after protests in nearby Balcombe took off – it put at risk the drive to unleash what ministers planned to be an oil and gas bonanza in the South East. Indeed, the industry is increasingly regretting ever venturing into the home counties.’
Half of Britain to be opened up to fracking
‘Ministers are this week expected to offer up vast swathes of Britain for fracking in an attempt to lure energy companies to explore shale oil and gas reserves.
The Department for Energy and Climate Change is expected to launch the so-called “14th onshore licensing round”, which will invite companies to bid for the rights to explore in as-yet untouched parts of the country.
The move is expected to be hugely controversial because it could potentially result in fracking taking place across more than half of Britain. Industry sources said the plans could be announced at a press conference tomorrow.’
