The Dash for Gas

The dash for gas was the move towards using natural gas for electricity in the 1990’s as it was thought of as a solution to climate change. It caused gas turbine power stations to go from just 5% of the UK’s generating capacity in 1990 to 28% in 2002.

This week the dash for gas continues as on Tuesday night MPs voted to allow fracking under national parks using horizontal drills stationed just outside the boundaries of protected areas. Since David Cameron announced last year that the UK is going ‘all out for shale gas’ it has been a never ending battle between supporters and opposition. One of the conditions for this new agreement states that any drilling that does take place under national parks has to be at a depth of at least 1200m to minimise any potential impacts.  

Not all MPs were on board with this week’s decision. For example, labour wanted a moratorium on fracking until it can be proven that it is a safe form of energy and the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, is quoted in saying that it is a ‘complete lack of regard for protecting some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK’. The day after this vote 159 sites were granted licenses to explore for shale gas with the majority in northern England. This marked a 50% increase in the amount of fracking licenses awarded in the UK and it is estimated that the first shale gas production could begin by the end of the decade and energy imports could be almost halved within 15 years. 

On the other hand it is argued that this move will dramatically reduce the countries carbon emissions at the same time as increasing our energy security. It is a vital step that needs to be taken to move forward but strict regulations need to be set for protecting the environment and health and safety of the population. 

This decision is essentially as complete U-turn on earlier promises to keep fracking away from national parks and is a shock as the UN climate talks in Paris have only just ended, surely avoiding fossil fuels is a big part in the fight against climate change and the UK seems to be going in the opposite direction.