Why is Scotland Blocking Fracking?

Fracking (or “hydraulic fracturing”) is the name given to a measure used to extract gas and oil from underground rocks by drilling into the rocks and injecting water and various chemicals into them at high velocity. This pressure breaks the rock and releases the gases inside.

Fracking is an extremely controversial subject and as of 28th January Scotland announced that until more research had been done into the methods and its effects, it would no longer be supporting or allowing fracking operations to take place. Although fracking has been in invention since the late 1940’s, it is only recently that it has come into prominence with many other forms of oil and gas extraction becoming obsolete due to their reserves being drained.

The dangers of fracking

Environmental groups have been heavily protesting the fracking industry and the various sites at which it takes place for many years. Although the main criticism is the use of harsh chemicals, excessive amounts of water and large amounts of energy in a fracking operation, there are also concerns other environmental concerns. Many worry that the various gases and chemicals used in the fracking process can escape into local water sources, and query the potential effects of escaping gases on the environment.

Scotland

Scotland’s approach to fracking was made by Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing who agreed that more research is required before plans can be approved.

His moves were welcomed by environment group WWF Scotland who are pushing for fracking to be ruled out altogether, and confirmed “There is overwhelming public opinion in favour of cleaner forms of energy and a sufficient body of evidence why unconventional oil and gas are neither good for people or the planet."

Mr Ewing said that whilst the UK government had taken a move to develop fracking “quickly, at any cost”, he endorsed a more “cautious” approach.  He also announced a public consultation on any measures deemed “unconventional” and an assessment on public health impact, as well as measures to tighten regulations. He said, “Given the importance of this work, it would be inappropriate to allow any planning consents in the meantime. I'm therefore announcing today a moratorium on the granting of planning consents for all unconventional oil and gas developments, including fracking.”

Political Points

However, the SNP also has various detractors who would suggest that their motives for the ban may not be quite as simple as environmental concerns.

Professor Paul Younger, Rankine Chair of Engineering at the University of Glasgow suggested that the environmental concerns may be “completely feigned”.  This comes after a report ordered from his team in 2014 concluded that there were no “significant technological barriers” to fracking and that it could be conducted safely. Younger claimed he felt violated as a professional after seeing the announcement and accused Scotland of treating the issue as a way of scoring political points.

Scotland meanwhile denied any fabricating, with a spokesperson saying “we have taken a cautious, considered and evidence based approach to unconventional oil and gas and fracking.”

Further Reading

In 2014, Petro Industry News editor Rachael Simpson had the chance to attend a special screening of the independent documentary Fracknation, directed by Phelim McAleer, at the House of Lords, UK. Following the screening Rachael then interviewed Chris Faulkner, CEO of the Breitling Energy Corporation, a man known internationally as the ‘Frack Master’ due to his outspoken advocacy of shale gas extraction and in depth-knowledge of the process. To read this interview, take a look at: Is Fracking the Way Forward? An Interview with Chris Faulkner.