REGENERATING PLACES - LESSON 9 - UK FRACKING Flashcards
What is fracking
The process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release gas
Carried out vertically and horizontally
How many licenses have been awarded by the UK government to allow firms to pursue a range of oil and gas exploration
more than 100
Which company faced legal challenges before it could begin drilling in Lancashire
Cuadrilla
Where else have Cuadrilla submitted applications to start fracking
Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, second site in Lancashire
Cuadrilla are the only company in the UK to receive final consent from the government to begin fracking. Which other companies are looking to start fracking
Third Energy, Gas, Aurora Energy Resources, Ineos
Why have governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all opposed fracking
Until further research is carried out into environmental impacts
Why did Cuadrilla suspend test fracking operations near Blackpool in 2011
Earthquakes of 1.5 and 2.2 hit the area
What is recommended to help mitigate the effects of tremors on local area from fracking
Operators using a traffic light system, with tremors 0.5 and above triggering a red light and an immediate halt
What are the advantages of fracking
Driven down gas prices for the US
Allows drilling firms to access difficult to reach resources
Boosted domestic oil production in the US
Offered gas security for the next 100 years for USA and Canada
Generates electricity at half CO2 emissions of coal
Would create thousands of jobs in the UK
Why is Fracking controversial
Uses huge amount of water, which must also be transported to the site
Escape of carcinogenic chemicals
Pollution
Earth Tremors
Still a fossil fuel
What is the UK Governments stance on fracking
Provides UK with greater energy security, growth and jobs
Important transition to a low carbon future
What was the result of the 2015 vote on fracking in national parks
MPs overwhelmingly rejected it - having an “outright ban”
11 months later, MPs voted to allow fracking at 1200m below national parks, areas of Outstanding natural beauty and World Heritage sites
