An Aberdeenshire MSP has cast fresh doubt on the Scottish Government’s opposition to fracking in the run-up he arrival of the first shipment of shale gas at Grangemouth this week.
Writing in the Press and Journal, Tory Alexander Burnett said the delivery highlighted how “ludicrous and unsustainable” the administration’s moratorium on unconventional gas extraction was.
Petro-chemical giant Ineos is due to receive its first shipment of shale gas from the US tomorrow.
One of the company’s “Dragon class” vessels will deliver the cargo to the plant, which employs more than 1,300 people.
Mr Burnett, who represents Aberdeenshire West, said: “(The arrival of US shale gas) is good news, but in reality, we should not have to rely on foreign imports when we have our own domestic supply.
“It seems that the SNP are quite happy to reap the benefits of shale gas produced overseas, but won’t allow companies to drill here in Scotland to boost the economy and create new jobs.
“It is a ludicrous and unsustainable policy, and one which the Scottish Government must change before it is too late.”
The Scottish Government currently has a moratorium in place on fracking in Scotland.
The administration has commissioned an expert report on the potential impact of unconventional gas extraction, which is due to be published later this year.
Environmental campaigners are deeply concerned about the potential impact of fracking, particularly near densely populated areas.
Ineos said it had “no choice” but to ship the gas from the US, given the “60% decline of North Sea gas over the last 10 years.
The company added: “The project will return the Grangemouth site to profitability helping to secure its long-term operation, protecting the viability of its businesses and the many direct and indirect jobs that the site provides.”
Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government has commissioned a series of independent research projects into unconventional oil and gas to examine potential environmental, health and economic impacts to inform our evidence-led approach.
“These are due to report later this year, with the public consultation taking place during winter 2016-17.
“The moratorium will remain in place throughout this process and the Scottish Government will use the results of the consultation to inform its decision on the way forward.”
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