Get behind fracking, urges PM
Writing today in the Daily Telegraph, the Prime Minister set out his reasons for supporting the controversial technology that involves fracturing rock beneath the water table to extract natural gas. He says that without it, the UK would be less competitive on the global stage.
"First, fracking has real potential to drive energy bills down,” writes Cameron. “It’s simple – gas and electric bills can go down when our home-grown energy supply goes up.
“Secondly, fracking will create jobs in Britain. In fact, one recent study predicted that 74,000 posts could be supported by a thriving shale-gas industry in this country.
“Thirdly, fracking will bring money to local neighbourhoods. Companies have agreed to pay £100,000 to every community situated near an exploratory well. If gas is then extracted, 1% of the revenue – perhaps as much as £10 million – will go straight back to residents who live nearby.”
Cameron insists that adding shale gas to Britain's energy supply will not marginalise low carbon technologies, which he says are not enough on their own.
“We need a mix. Latest estimates suggest that there’s about 1300 trillion cubic feet of shale gas lying underneath Britain at the moment. To put that in context, even if we extract just a tenth of that figure, that is still the equivalent of 51 years’ gas supply.”
Green groups are alarmed by the greater weight Cameron is giving to shale gas, saying that it will keep the nation hooked on dirty fossil fuels.
"This country has some of the best renewable energy resources on the planet," says Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton. "The PM should stop over-hyping fracking and get on with the job of reaping the huge economic benefits of being at the forefront of a clean industrial revolution."
Looking to the United States, Cameron points out that natural gas prices for Americans is three-and-a-half times lower than in the UK. “Even if we only see a fraction of the impact shale gas has had in America,” he says, “we can expect to see lower energy prices in this country.”
Environmental groups disagree with Cameron’s claims. Greenpeace Energy Campaigner Leila Deen says: "The Prime Minister's claim that UK shale gas will reduce energy prices doesn't stack. Experts from Ofgem to Deutsche Bank to drilling company Cuadrilla itself agree UK shale will not bring down bills, because unlike the US, the UK is part of a huge European gas market.”
Seeking to address public concerns over safety, Cameron writes: “International evidence shows there is no reason why the process should cause contamination of water supplies or other environmental damage, if properly regulated.”
Speaking to the issue of preserving Britain’s countryside: “I am proud to represent a rural constituency. I would never sanction something that might ruin our landscapes and scenery. Shale gas pads are relatively small – about the size of a cricket pitch."
Cameron also claims that fracking will not be confined to certain parts of Britain:
"I want all parts of our nation to share in the benefits: north or south, Conservative or Labour. We are all in this together.
“So my message to the country is clear – we cannot afford to miss out on fracking.”
To read Cameron's full article, click this link.
