Fracking in the UK case study

• Fracking


  A way of extracting shale gas by pumping liquid into shale rock at high pressure, causing the rock to crack and release the gas
• Locations of fracking


  • Shale gas has been identified across large swathes of the UK, particularly in northern England
  • More than 100 licences have been awarded by the government to firms in the UK, allowing them to pursue exploration in certain areas
  • Applications have also been submitted in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire
• Advantages of fracking


  • There appears to be lots of shale gas available in the UK
  • Fracking increases the energy security of the UK as supplies of other fossil fuels start running out
  • Gas is less polluting than other fossil fuels, it releases half the CO² of coal
  • Fracked gas is a less expensive source than some renewables
  • The technology has already been tested (in the USA) and shown to work, unlike some renewable sources
• Disadvantages of fracking


  • Gas is not a sustainable energy source as it's a non-renewable and releases CO², contributing to global warming
  • There's a risk of pollution of groundwater, drinking water and air
  • It uses lots of water which is a limited resource
  • It's an issue that people feel strongly about, public opposition has stopped it from being widespread in the UK
  • Investment in fracking may slow down the investment in renewable energy