The ban on the controversial shale gas exploration, known as fracking, has been lifted by the government, energy secretary Ed Davey has confirmed.
Eighteen months ago gas company Cuadrilla’s attempts to exploit the unconventional gas in Lancashire were put on hold after fracking, which uses high-pressure liquid to split rock and extract gas, caused two small earthquakes.
Speaking today, Mr Davey announced fracking could resume in the UK but would be subject to new controls which will aim to reduce the seismic activity caused by the practice.
The move was welcomed by business leaders but environmental groups have called it a ‘massive gamble’ and ‘reckless’.
Mr Davey said shale has represented a promising new potential resource for the country but exploiting it would not undermine efforts to cut emissions in the continuing bid to tackle climate change.
The Treasury previously confirmed its support for the controversial technique by proposing tax relief for shale gas and unveiling a gas generation strategy.
Mr Davey said: ‘Shale gas represents a promising new potential energy resource for the UK. It could contribute significantly to our energy security, reducing our reliance on imported gas, as we move to a low-carbon economy.
‘We are still in the very early stages of shale gas exploration in the UK and it is likely to develop slowly.
‘It is essential that its development should not come at the expense of local communities or the environment. Fracking must be safe and the public must be confident that it is safe.
‘We are strengthening the stringent regime already in place with new controls around seismic risks. And, as the industry develops, we will remain vigilant to all emerging evidence to ensure fracking is safe and the local environment is protected.’
The new controls implemented by the government will include a traffic light system, requiring operators to stop if seismic activity reaches a certain level.
Reacting to the government’s decision, Greenpeace energy campaigner Leila Deen said: ‘[Chancellor] George Osborne’s dream of building Dallas in Lancashire is dangerous fantasy. He is not JR Ewing and this is not the US.
‘Energy analysts agree the UK cannot replicate the American experience of fracking, and that shale gas will do little or nothing to lower bills.
‘Pinning the UK’s energy hopes on an unsubstantiated, polluting fuel is a massive gamble and consumers and the climate will end up paying the price.’