Will Fracking Be Banned in the UK?

Hydraulic fracturing – commonly known as fracking – has been banned in a number of countries around the world. However, it’s still being used in the US and the majority of the world has no ban against it. So how about Britain? Parliament is set to vote on a key fracking decision in the coming weeks, but not all political parties are against the process.

Join the club

At the 2016 Labour party conference, shadow energy and climate secretary Barry Gardiner announced that “a future Labour government will ban fracking”. It’s a stance that matches the previously expressed views of the Liberal Democrats and Greens. But with a combined MP count of 9, the two parties definitely needed some help opposing it.

The SNP differ somewhat on the issue. They support a moratorium – a temporary ban – on fracking. But a full ban is something they have previously abstained on. Their thinking is that a temporary ban will allow us to overcome technical difficulties and become more assured on the process. Gardiner, however, stated that “technical difficulties” aren’t the reason behind his proposed ban. “The real reason to ban fracking is that it locks us into an energy infrastructure that is based on fossil fuels, long after our country needs to have moved to clean energy,” he explained.

Frack away

On the other hand of the argument are the Conservatives. They promised to push through fracking projects despite public opposition. Their first chance to do so is in the coming weeks with a vote on Cuadrilla’s planned fracking projects in Lancashire. After Lancashire county council rejected the plans, MPs will now vote on whether Cuadrilla can appeal the decision.

Unfortunately for the majority of British voters who oppose the process, David Cameron’s 2014 comments that “we’re going all out for shale” don’t seem to have changed with Theresa May’s leadership. Approving the two Lancashire sites could see a wave of fracking projects across England, with shale companies Ineos and Third Energy both looking to start shale drilling. It seems Britain won’t be banning fracking unless they change their government.

Transporting gas

One of the ‘technical difficulties’ of fracking is with gas transportation. Due to the increased production brought about by fracking – in areas where it’s used – many gathering lines are at full capacity. These so-called shale areas require more adequate infrastructure to deal with the higher volumes of gas. At the moment companies are having to decide between shutting in the well or flaring the gas. Flaring the gas allows them to continue oil production through the well, and so it’s usually the route they go down. ‘Capacity Allocation and Nominations’ explores this essential part of the fracking process.