The Department of Energy and Climate Change today announced the government will launch a consolation on proposals aimed at simplifying deep underground access for shale and geothermal drilling.
The proposals would streamline processes in line with current operational conditions.
Under the new framework, there would be a clear notification system to alert local people, a voluntary community payment of £20,000 per well and the underground right of access for shale gas and deep geothermal operations would kick-in only below 1,000ft.
Currently, companies must negotiate rights of access with every landowner living above underground drilling. Companies looking to capitalise on shale potential would still need necessary permissions but the underground right of access would only need to be obtained below the 1,000ft marker.
In a statement the DECC said: “A company looking to develop shale or geothermal will still need to obtain all the necessary permissions. There are controls in place to regulate seismicity, environmental impacts and planning impacts and there are numerous opportunities for local communities to engage ahead of any development.
“Many other industries already access underground land beneath people’s homes in order to lay cables and build infrastructure such as water pipes and tunnels. These are much closer to the surface than the access concerned here. For example the deepest Tube station is around 32m below ground – drilling for gas, oil and deep geothermal energy is much deeper and these proposals would only apply from 300 metres down. Any hydraulic fracturing would only occur at far greater depths of 1.5 kilometre (around 5000ft) or more.”
Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon said the proposals offered a fair solution for both companies and communities.
He added: “Britain needs more home-grown energy. Shale development will bring jobs and business opportunities.
“We are keen for shale and geothermal exploration to go ahead while protecting residents through the robust regulation that is in place.
“These proposals allow shale and geothermal development while offering a fair deal for communities in return for underground access at depths so deep they will have no negative impact on landowners.”
The consultation will be open for 12 weeks.
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