The national institute that measures methane emissions from shale gas extraction has said fracking’s impact on the UK cannot be judged until all the facts are known.
More than two dozen new areas in northern England and the Midlands could face fracking after new licences were awarded for oil and gas exploration.
Jane Burston, head of climate and environment at the National Physical Laboratory, in London, said: “Shale gas extraction remains a contentious issue in the UK.
“But whilst we’ve heard a lot from both sides, what we’re lacking is hard fact about the effects of shale gas extraction in the UK.”
Currently almost all statistics on fracking are taken from US data where the conditions and regulations have been very different.
Burston added: “The UK is yet to take any of its own measurements of the methane leaks that might result, or even baseline measurements of emissions from shale gas sites in the UK. Without these, we don’t know if the results from the US even apply here, and we certainly can’t make judgements about the environmental impacts.
“The only way that we can truly engage in an informed debate on shale gas extraction in the UK is to establish the facts. Performing accurate measurements at the first opportunity is the only way to make responsible decisions about the future of the UK’s energy provision.”
The National Physical Laboratory has developed several techniques for monitoring emissions from shale gas extraction, and have a project using a simulated emissions leak from shale gas extraction to ensure all equipment is up to scratch.
Fracking has proved hugely divisive in the UK, with environmentalists calling for the method, which they deem unsafe, to be outlawed altogether.
The UK Government is keen to press ahead with shale, whilst the Scottish Government has implemented a moratorium on fracking planning consents to allow a full public consultation on the controversial issue.
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