Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) has joined an alliance of fellow trade bodies which is banging the drum for a wider debate on the benefits of fracking.
The alliance, which includes Oil and Gas UK, made the call after 55% of UK adults who took part in a poll said they want domestic gas production – including from fracking – to be prioritised over imports.
The same survey by ComRes indicated 56% think reducing the cost of energy is more important than environmental concerns.
Fracking in Scotland is subject to a moratorium imposed by the Scottish Government while research into the environmental impact of the technique is carried out.
Green groups have clamoured for the method, which they deem unsafe, to be outlawed altogether.
But AGCC said its own research showed a sizeable number of firms are planning to get involved in unconventional gas and that the time is right to move it to the forefront of policy-making discussions.
James Bream, research and policy director at AGCC, said: “In our most recent oil and gas survey, 67% of respondents said they anticipate becoming more involved in unconventional oil and gas.
“Expansion into new markets is welcome, and this diversification into unconventionals could include onshore opportunities.
“We believe it is time for a wider debate on the subject, and the potential benefits it may bring.”
The research for AGCC’s 23rd Oil and Gas survey was carried out in September and represents the views of 132 firms employing a total of 78,000 employees in the UK.
The other members of the alliance are the Chemical Industries Association, UK Onshore Oil and Gas, EEF – the Manufacturers’ Organisation, the Onshore Energy Services Group, and the Energy Intensive Users Group.
Katharine Peacock, managing director of ComRes, said: “Cutting energy bills is a clear priority for British adults. Four in five say that they are actively taking measures to reduce the amount of energy they use, and more than half say that reducing the cost of energy should be prioritised over environmental concerns.
“Nevertheless, majorities of Britons are concerned about energy security and would like to see moves to a lower carbon economy.
“There is limited public awareness about the extent of the UK’s reliance on gas imports. However, just more than half of Britons agree that we should prioritise using gas produced in the UK, including shale gas, produced by hydraulic fracturing, over energy imported from overseas.”
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