1 February 2011 | Marianna Keen
Energy, Europe, North America

 

Researchers at the Tyndall Centre, University of Manchester, released a report this month (January 2011) concluding that extraction of shale gas risks contamination and also delays the introduction of renewable energy alternatives.

The study investigated the environmental and climate change impacts of shale gas, and found that its extraction risks contaminating ground and surface waters. Shale gas is extracted using a technique called hydraulic fracturing - often referred to as 'fracking' – which has been linked to a host of negative environmental and social impacts. Natural gas, although less carbon intense, emits high levels of methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. It is widely considered a more economic alternative to oil and coal, however its environmental impacts may be just as detrimental.

The report, commissioned by the Cooperative, calls for the UK government to put a moratorium on shale gas development until there is a more thorough understanding of the extraction process.

UK ministers have rejected a moratorium, saying that drilling for shale gas does not pose a threat.

"We are aware that there have been reports from US of issues linked to some shale gas projects," a spokesman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) told BBC News. It pronounced shale gas as safe this month, however.

The Tyndall report reiterates that any new fossil fuel resource will only lead to additional carbon emissions. An increase in shale gas use could also delay the introduction of renewable energy alternatives.

It appears that expensive forms of renewable energy, such as wind and solar will find it hard to compete with shale gas. Although gas could be a useful balancing energy source for intermittent green energy sources, further investments need to focus on clean energy and technology to harness renewable sources if the effects of global warming are to be mitigated.

Technological advancements have unlocked vast tracts of gas-bearing shale in the US, revolutionising the energy market – and further extraction success is expected. The plentiful, cheap gas provided the US with a high level of energy security, with significantly less dependence on gas imports from nations including Russia.

With cheap gas supplies estimated to last for years to come, it is expected to filter further into markets in Europe, including the UK.

If a moratorium is called, this may mean continued reliance on exported gas from Russia. The Tyndall report suggests further investment should be made in renewable energy to increase its competitiveness.

It is increasingly recognised that a future powered almost entirely by renewable energy is unattainable. The Tyndall report suggests, however, that gas is not the answer for meeting energy needs.

A DECC spokesman said: "We support industry's endeavours in pursuing energy sources [like shale gas], provided that tapping of such resources proves to be economically, commercially and environmentally viable.”

In response to the refused moratorium request the Tyndall Centre said: "This will further reduce any slim possibility of maintaining global temperature changes at or below 2C (3.6F) and thereby increase the risk of entering a period of 'dangerous climate change'."

Author: Marianna Keen | Climate Action

Image: RGB | Flickr

blog comments powered by Disqus