Thank you for contacting me about fracking.
Ministers have always been clear that fracking should only proceed if the science shows that it is safe, sustainable and minimises disturbances to local communities.
A report in 2019 from the Oil & Gas Authority, the independent regulator, found that it was not possible to accurately predict the probability or magnitude of earthquakes linked to fracking. As a result, the Government announced a moratorium for no more fracking to take place in England.
The wholesale price of gas and energy has increased in the UK and Europe due to various factors, including an increase in demand following the end of lockdowns in various countries and in return economies reopening. In light of Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine and high global gas prices hiking up bills, the Prime Minister has been clear that it’s right we move away from dependence on Russian gas and increase our self-reliance in our energy security.
The Government is considering all options and it has always been clear that it will take a precautionary approach and will be open to shale gas exploration if it can be done in a safe and sustainable way. The Prime Minister will announce an Energy Supply Strategy in due course which will address how the Government will meet the needs of the UK in the short, medium and long term.
You may be interested to know that renewable energy is cheaper than gas and therefore the long-term solution is to move away from it. I welcome that the UK renewable capacity is up 500 per cent since 2010. However, the Government recognises that more must be done. That is why it is accelerating renewables with annual Contract for Difference auctions. I want to be clear that the more cheap, clean power we generate in the UK, the less exposed we will be to global gas markets.
I am aware that UKOG has recently announced that they will not appeal the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee's decision to reject their application for oil exploration wells in Arreton. I have been following this situation closely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.