Will Households Get Fracking Payments?

Fracking is controversial – there’s no doubt about it. While oil companies push for permission to begin fracking, local communities protest against it. Under new government plans, however, local residents may be entitled to some compensation for the inconveniences that fracking might bring.

What is fracking?

Fracking – or hydraulic fracturing – is a way of accessing the energy sources beneath the ground. It involves drilling into the earth and injecting a high-pressure fluid, also known as ‘fracking fluid’. The process creates cracks in the shale rock formations. After removing the pressure, small proppants hold the cracks open, which allows fuel sources like gas and oil to flow through.

The effects

So if it’s a way of collecting more energy, why are people against it? Well, there are some environmental impacts that have to be considered. Firstly, there is pollution. Fracking contributes not only to air pollution, but also noise and water pollution. It also uses a huge amount of water in the process. It’s thought that European fracking would use even more than the American process, because of greater shale depths.

The issue concerning local communities, however, are land use and the risk of earthquakes. With multiple acres needed for each fracking drill pad, the procedure takes up a lot of otherwise green land, with construction causing irreparable damage to the surrounding natural habitats. The risk of earthquakes is a big concern to local communities because of the damage it can cause to people and their homes. Whilst a lot of the tremors from fracking have been too small to affect the surface of the earth, there is evidence of some serious seismic activity.

Government plans

Because of the unease amongst communities affected by fracking, the government announced it would reserve up to 10% of the tax from fracking to benefit these communities. However, it’s now thought the funds might be given directly to households, rather than the councils. Whilst some activists have suggested they will not accept bribes, the amount is thought to be up to £10,000 per household.

Fracking – yes or no?

There are clear benefits to investing in green energy. But what are the benefits of fracking? Chris Faulkner, CEO of Breitling Energy Corporation is known as the ‘Frack Master’ because of his support and knowledge for fracking. Rachael Simpson of Petro Industry News interviews the notable fracking advocate in ‘Is Fracking the Way Forward?’.