Shale gas extraction in the United Kingdom officially lifted

The British government recently approved the reopening of a previously controversial shale gas exploitation project, which is widely considered in the industry as a sign that the British government has turned green light on the large-scale exploitation of shale gas.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Energy, Ed David, Britain’s Quadrilla Resources has been approved to resume the use of hydraulic fracturing technology for the extraction of shale gas in Lancashire in the northwest of England. He said that for the United Kingdom, shale gas represents a new source of energy and will make an important contribution to energy security in the United Kingdom.

Quadrilla Resources previously used shale gas in Lancashire, but mining activities triggered two small earthquakes in the spring of 2011 and were opposed by environmental protection organizations. From May 2011, the British government decided to suspend the use of hydraulic fracturing technology to extract shale gas.

David said that the government's agreement to restart this project was decided after hearing relevant experts' opinions and referring to the latest scientific research.

Analysts believe that the British government’s decision on that day meant that green light would also be turned on for such projects in other regions. Earlier, the British government has released news on various occasions that it will lift shale gas extraction. British Prime Minister David Cameron said that the exploitation of shale gas will help increase domestic gas supply and reduce household energy expenditure. George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, also said that a new tax policy will be introduced to encourage investment in shale gas.