Isra-Mart srl:Scientists call for UK shale-gas moratorium

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The UK should cease all shale gas exploration until the long term environmental consequences of exploiting the resource are better understood, scientists have said today as reports suggested the first British shale gas deposits have been found near Blackpool.

Removing the gas entails drilling into shale formations before injecting water and chemicals to break up the rock, releasing pockets of natural gas that supporters insist burns cleaner than oil or coal.

But a report published by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and commissioned by the Co-operative Group drew on evidence from the US to suggest extracting shale gas brings a "significant risk" of water contamination, could divert funding from renewable energy, and may increase atmospheric levels of CO2.

It went on to caution that shale gas would most likely be used in addition to other fossil fuels rather than replacing dirtier oil or coal-fired power, creating additional carbon emissions and potentially raising atmospheric concentrations of CO2 by five parts per million by 2050.

The report added that this would further reduce the chances of limiting global temperature rises to less than two degrees Centigrade, after which many scientists believe the world's climate would shift irreparably.

"In an energy hungry world any new fossil fuel resource will only lead to additional carbon emissions," said Kevin Anderson, professor of Energy and Climate Change at the Tyndall Centre. "In the case of shale gas there is also a significant risk its use will delay the introduction of renewable energy alternatives. Consequently, if we are serious about avoiding dangerous climate change, the only safe place for shale gas remains in the ground."

As exploration and extraction technology improves, shale gas finds are expected to be made all over the world, with proponents claiming the resource has the potential to improve energy security for many countries.

US production expanded five-fold between 1990 and 2008 as successive governments searched for solutions to declining natural gas reserves. Production is also set to increase further as it comprises one area where the Obama administration agrees on energy policy with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

But incidents such as methane leaking into Pennsylvanian water supplies, allowing residents to set fire to their tap water, highlighted in forthcoming film Gasland, have cast doubt on its environmental credentials.

The UK commissioned a study into the unconventional gas source last year, but shale gas has remained on the backburner until reports emerged this week that exploratory drilling by minng company Cuadrilla Resources had found gas deposits 3,000m beneath Lancashire.

Despite the discovery and the rapid increase in the States, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) told BusinessGreen it did not anticipate a UK shale gas industry taking off in the same way.

"It's very early days, but we don't expect it to play a key role in meeting our energy needs," a spokeswoman said.

And while the Tyndall Centre report warned that exploitation of any UK finds could damage aquifers as well as increase noise pollution, truck movements and demand considerable use of land, DECC indicated in a statement that it unlikely to implement a moratorium.

"We are aware that there have been reports from US of issues linked to some shale gas projects. However we understand that these are only in a few cases and that, when carried out correctly, shale gas exploration and development does not pose a threat to aquifers or local communities," it said. "Cuadrilla has made it clear that there is no likelihood of environmental damage resulting from its shale gas project, and that it is applying technical expertise and exercising the utmost care as it takes drilling and testing forward."