Thank you for contacting me about fracking.
To end dependency on the global energy market, the Government has pledged that the UK will be a net energy exporter by 2040. As I know you are aware, the Prime Minister has therefore ceased the moratorium on shale extraction, where there is local support.
Wholesale price of gas and energy has increased across Europe due to various factors, including an increase in demand as global economies reignited after lockdowns. In light of Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine, which has also contributed to further global gas price rises, the Government aims to steer the UK away from dependence on Russian gas and towards self-reliance with its energy sources.
In April 2022, the Government commissioned a British Geological Survey to advise on the latest scientific evidence around shale gas extraction. The review recognised that currently our understanding of UK geology and onshore shale resources is limited, and acknowledges the challenges of modelling geological activity in relatively complex geology sometimes found in UK shale locations. Only three test wells have been hydraulically fractured in the UK to date. Recommencing shale gas extraction will enable drilling to gather this data, building an understanding of UK shale gas resources and safe extraction where there is local support. I understand that some developers are keen to assist with this process.
Further, under the Energy Security Strategy, the Government will accelerate the deployment of wind, new nuclear, solar and hydrogen, while supporting the production of domestic oil and gas from the North Sea. This move could see 95 per cent of electricity being low carbon by 2030. I welcome that the UK renewable capacity is up 500 per cent since 2010, and that the Government continues to accelerate renewables with annual Contract for Difference auctions. The more cheap, clean power we generate in the UK, the less exposed we will be to global gas markets.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
October 2022