Institution responds to fracking approval in Lancashire

The Institution's Dr Jenifer Baxter says that much more work needs to be done to convince the public about the benefits and safety of hydraulic fracking

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Energy and Environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to the Government’s approval of Cuadrilla's Preston New Road fracking site at Little Plumpton in Lancashire:

“This is a step in the right direction but fracking alone is not the solution to meeting the UK's future energy demands. It’s good because it has the potential to contribute to securing gas supplies and creating much-needed highly skilled jobs in regions such as Lancashire and Yorkshire, particularly in a time of uncertainty around markets, investment and supply.

“The decision to grant Cuadrilla planning permission is to allow for an experimental well to be drilled that will allow the company to find out if shale gas will flow.  In order to establish the possibilities for the site they will need to understand what pressures will be required to maintain the fracturing and release gas.

“It is important to recognise the role that gas plays and is likely to play in our energy and industry systems today and for the foreseeable future.  Our incumbent heating networks that are between 40-45% of our total energy use in the UK are hugely dependant on gas. Our chemical and manufacturing industries also rely heavily on gas feedstocks. Currently gas comes to the UK from all over the world and experimental sites, such as the one at Preston New Road in Lancashire will enable Cuadrilla, along with Government and the local community, to understand how local production could contribute to distributed energy and industry networks in that region.

“The fact that thousands of objections have been lodged about the plans shows that there is a lot more work that needs to be done by engineering institutions, oil and gas companies and others in favour of trials like this to engage the public.  Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of rock for shale gas extraction is new to the UK and we need to progress step by step to ensure that it can be exploited safely and economically here.  All parties need to gain experience together and build trust.  Only then can local authorities and communities make informed decisions based on real data for their locality.”