Cameron calls for fracking as Ukraine crisis highlights energy dependence on Russia
Cameron describes the tensions in Crimea as a "wake-up call" for countries reliant on Russian oil and gas as G7 nations agree to reduce dependence on Russian fuel
The recent Ukraine crisis has highlighted the EU’s dependence on Russia for oil and gas and illustrates the importance of alternative sources like fracking, according to Prime Minister David Cameron.
Speaking at a security summit on Tuesday, Cameron described the escalating tensions in Crimea as a "wake-up call" for countries reliant on Russian oil and gas, which meets up to a third of EU demand.
Around 40 per cent of Russian fossil fuel imports are shipped through Ukraine and the G7 nations agreed on Monday to work together to reduce dependence on Russian fuel.
The Prime Minister said that accessing reserves of shale gas in the UK, Poland, and south-eastern Europe could provide an effective means of improving the EU's energy independence.
"Energy independence, using all these different sources of energy, should be a tier one political issue from now on, rather than tier five" Cameron said.
The UK shale gas industry has faced significant opposition over fears the fracking process, which involves blasting water, sand and chemicals into shale deposits to release gas and oil, can pollute waterways, and result in powerful methane emissions being released.
Fracking is banned in France and Belgium and was subject to a moratorium in the UK until last year.
Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne have remained steadfast in their support of shale gas despite polls consistently showing the public prefer investments in renewable energy.
Cameron yesterday called for a “lack of understanding” on fracking to be addressed and insisted that it would be "good for our country".
