Controversy Over Lifting UK Fracking Ban After 3 Years for Shale Gas Production

Prime Minister Truss: "Gas Can Be Secured Within 6 Months"... Only 27% Support Shale Gas Production

Liz Truss, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The new UK government under Liz Truss has lifted the ban on fracking for shale gas production after three years. However, controversy seems inevitable as an overwhelming majority of Britons oppose fracking according to public opinion polls. Concerns have also been raised within the Conservative Party about potential public backlash.

Fracking refers to a technique that involves injecting a mixture of water, chemicals, and sand at high pressure to fracture rock formations in order to extract shale gas. The previous Boris Johnson administration introduced a fracking ban in November 2019 after a magnitude 2.9 earthquake occurred in the Lancashire area where fracking was taking place, damaging nearly 200 homes.

However, the Truss government argues that shale gas production is necessary to secure sufficient energy amid Russia’s gas supply cutoffs. Prime Minister Truss stated on the 9th that lifting the fracking ban could allow gas extraction within as soon as six months.

In particular, the Truss administration aims to become a net energy exporter by 2040 and claims that fracking is essential to achieve this goal.

Industry Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said, "To become a net energy exporter by 2040, the UK must strengthen energy security and pursue all possible measures." He emphasized, "In a situation where Vladimir Putin has invaded Ukraine and weaponized energy, efforts to secure energy are an absolute top priority." Rees-Mogg also claimed that those opposing fracking have received Russian funding.

Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband criticized the Russian funding allegation as a baseless, shameful, and disgusting remark.

Opposition Labour Party as well as members of the Conservative Party have voiced opposition. Conservative MP Mark Menzies, representing Lancashire, stated, "It has been clearly proven that fracking is inappropriate," expressing his opposition.

Among current members of the Truss cabinet, some have previously criticized fracking. Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng said in February that fracking would not help stabilize energy prices. He pointed out that it would take 10 years to obtain sufficient shale gas while local communities would bear significant costs.

The devolved governments of Scotland and Wales also oppose fracking.

Public opinion is also negative toward fracking. In a YouGov survey conducted in May, support for shale gas extraction slightly increased to 27%. Before the energy crisis, support was only 19%.

The Conservative Party has stated that fracking will only be carried out in areas where there is local support. Prime Minister Truss also promised to uphold this principle during the party leadership campaign. However, the UK daily The Guardian predicted that the Truss government might designate fracking sites regardless of public opinion.

There is also debate over whether the UK has sufficient shale gas reserves.

The London School of Economics (LSE) pointed out that it is uncertain how much shale gas in the UK is technically extractable and economically viable. On the other hand, Warwick Business School released an analysis in 2020 suggesting that shale gas could account for 17-22% of UK energy consumption between 2020 and 2050, indicating sufficient reserves.

Although the government has lifted the fracking ban, approval processes by relevant agencies must still take place. Several European countries including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Bulgaria, and Ireland prohibit fracking. However, in Germany, the worsening energy crisis has sparked debate over whether to allow fracking.

The Truss government also reaffirmed its intention to approve North Sea oil and gas exploration plans. Exploration permits are expected to be granted in early October. The UK has not authorized oil and gas exploration off the North Sea coast since 2020 as part of its climate change response.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.