Shale gas could be Britain’s new power source, according to a new report from the United States Energy Information Association. The report, which was released as a global summary of shale gas resources indicates that Britain is home to 26 trillion cubic feet of shale gas, which could power the country for over ten years.
The EIA report indicates Britain’s large amount of ‘technically recoverable’ gas – the amount of gas that could be recovered using current technology without negatively influencing corporate profits or consumer pricing. The gas is concentrated around the North East and South East regions of England, as well as the Welsh border.
Shale gas is a major source of energy in the United States, where mining operations are big business in states such as Pennsylvania. Shale oil, a form of oil derived from kerogen, already makes up thirty percent of US oil production, with shale gas one of several major contributors to American natural gas production.
The report claims that shale gas could be one of Britain’s leading power sources for the next decade, although concerns over the stability of mining operations threaten to hinder gas drilling efforts. Shale gas is extracted using high-pressure rock cutting equipment, which blasts into rock formations to release quantities of the gas.
Britain’s current shale oil fracking operations are located in Blackpool, where shale gas testing has resulted in two minor earthquakes. Political opposition to shale oil drilling in the area has resulted in an 18-month moratorium after residents voiced concern about a possible major earthquake caused by the fracking equipment.
With energy one of the nation’s largest concerns, increasing production of shale gas could ease energy concerns while improving the economy. However, the industry is fighting an uphill battle against political opposition and a lack of investment.
