Fracking in the UK: explained

Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is a technique used to extract natural gas from shale rock formations deep underground. This process involves injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals to create and expand fractures in the rock, allowing trapped gas to flow to the surface. While once considered a potential solution for the UK's energy needs, fracking has faced significant environmental concerns and public opposition, leading to a current moratorium on operations in England.

Understanding the complexities of fracking is crucial for grasping the broader energy landscape. This technique represents an 'old' energy paradigm, a response to perceived energy scarcity. Fuse Energy envisions a future where such contentious methods are rendered unnecessary by abundant, clean energy, offering a forward-looking alternative to the energy challenges of today.

Fracking highlights the need for secure, sustainable energy for your home. Fuse Energy offers a modern approach to home energy, focusing on clean power and transparent pricing. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

What is fracking?

Fracking, short for hydraulic fracturing, is a well-stimulation technique that involves fracturing rock by injecting a hydraulically pressurised fluid to extract natural gas - often referred to as shale gas - or oil from subterranean rock formations. This method has been used for over 50 years to improve the recovery of conventional oil and gas.

The process of hydraulic fracturing

The process begins with drilling a borehole to the target depth in the reservoir. For oil and gas production, these wells can be vertical or horizontal. After the well is drilled, lined, and geophysically logged, the rock is hydraulically fractured. A high-pressure mixture, typically around 98-99.5% water and sand, is injected into the rock. A small amount of chemical additives, typically between 0.1% and 2% of the total fluid volume, is also added to reduce friction and modify fluid properties. The water pressure creates cracks in the rock, and the sand grains lodge into these spaces, keeping them open and allowing the released gas to flow out of the rocks and up the borehole.

Shale gas extraction

Shale gas is natural gas trapped within impermeable shale rock formations. Unlike conventional gas, which is found in porous rock, shale gas requires hydraulic fracturing to create pathways for it to flow. The UK has identified four areas with potentially viable shale gas reserves: the Carboniferous Bowland-Hodder area in north-west England, the Carboniferous Midland Valley in Scotland, the Jurassic Weald Basin in south England, and the Wessex area in south England. Initial estimates for the Bowland-Hodder area in 2013 suggested between 23.3 and 64.6 trillion cubic metres (tcm) of gas, though a 2019 analysis revised this closer to 4.0 tcm. The total gas consumption in the UK in 2018 was 2.98 tcf (trillion cubic feet).

A brief history of fracking in the UK

The debate surrounding fracking in the UK is relatively recent, but the technique itself has a longer history.

Early exploration and policy

Fracking has been used to extract oil and gas from offshore and onshore reserves in the UK since the 1970s. In 2008, 97 petroleum exploration and development licences were awarded for shale gas exploration in the UK. Cuadrilla Resources, a key operator, began drilling its first test well at Preese Hall in Lancashire in August 2010.

Public opposition and moratoriums

Public opposition to fracking intensified following seismic activity linked to Cuadrilla's operations at Preese Hall in 2011, which detected earthquakes of 2.3 and 1.5 magnitude. This led to a temporary moratorium on fracking, which was lifted in December 2012. However, renewed operations in Lancashire in 2018 again caused tremors, bringing activities to a halt.

Public sentiment has consistently shown more opposition than support for fracking. A 2021 government survey found that 45% of participants opposed fracking, compared to 17% who supported it. Concerns included the loss or destruction of the natural environment, the risk of earthquakes, and potential water contamination. In November 2019, the UK government announced an "indefinite suspension" of fracking in England, based on a report from the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) which stated it was not possible to predict the probability or size of tremors caused by the practice. Scotland and Wales also have moratoria in place against hydraulic fracturing.

Environmental concerns and risks

Fracking has raised several environmental concerns, which have been central to public opposition and policy decisions.

Seismic activity and earthquakes

One of the most significant environmental concerns associated with fracking is induced seismic activity, or earthquakes. The process can reactivate natural pre-existing geological faults, releasing stored stress in the shale. The 2011 tremors near Blackpool, linked to Cuadrilla's operations, highlighted this risk. A 2019 report by the OGA concluded that it was not possible to accurately predict the probability or magnitude of earthquakes linked to fracking operations.

Water contamination and usage

Concerns about water contamination stem from the chemicals used in fracturing fluid and the potential for spills or leaks. Fracking fluid is a mixture of water, sand, and over 750 additional chemicals, which could contaminate surface water or drinking water sources if they reach ground level. Flowback water, which returns to the surface after fracking, can contain naturally occurring substances like heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and radioactive materials. While proponents argue that risks are low with adequate regulation, studies have shown that almost all potentially frackable rocks in England and Wales lie under aquifers, raising fears of widespread water contamination.

Fracking also requires significant amounts of water. A single fracking well can use between 10,000 and 30,000 cubic metres of water, equivalent to filling twelve Olympic swimming pools. This raises concerns about water availability, particularly in areas with limited supplies.

Greenhouse gas emissions

The extraction and burning of fossil fuels, including natural gas from shale, contribute to climate change. While some argue that natural gas could act as a "bridge fuel" to a low-carbon future, government advisers have warned that new onshore oil and gas extraction could jeopardise the UK's legally binding climate targets. The geological evidence suggests that continuing to emit large amounts of CO2 will have very damaging effects on the environment.

Legal and policy status in the UK

The legal and policy landscape for fracking in the UK has been dynamic, marked by periods of exploration, public debate, and regulatory changes.

Current moratorium and regulations

As of June 2026, a moratorium on fracking remains in place across England. This means that while fracking is not permanently banned by law, new hydraulic fracturing consents are not being issued. Scotland and Wales also have moratoria, with the Welsh Government confirming in December 2018 that it would not grant licences for fracking. This effectively halts all new fracking operations across Great Britain. The moratorium in England was briefly lifted in September 2022 but was reinstated a month later.

The traffic light system

The UK government previously implemented a 'traffic light system' to monitor and manage seismic activity during fracking operations. This system, introduced in 2014, required operators to monitor seismic activity in real time and to suspend operations if a seismic event of magnitude 0.5 or greater was detected. This threshold was considered explicitly cautious and among the most stringent controls globally. However, questions were raised about its suitability, with some scientists suggesting the threshold could be safely increased, while environmental campaigners argued against weakening the limits.

Future policy outlook

The future of fracking policy in the UK remains uncertain beyond the current moratorium. While some politicians have advocated for lifting the moratorium to boost energy security, public opposition remains high. The Labour Party, for instance, has stated plans to ban fracking for good if it comes into power. The prevailing sentiment is that the UK needs to move towards cleaner energy sources rather than relying on controversial extraction methods.

Economic considerations of shale gas

The economic arguments for and against shale gas development in the UK are complex, encompassing potential benefits and significant challenges.

Potential for energy independence

Proponents of fracking have argued that developing a domestic shale gas industry could enhance the UK's energy security and reduce reliance on imported gas. This argument gained traction during periods of global energy market volatility. However, the UK is integrated into the European energy market, meaning that any domestic production would likely be absorbed by the wider market, making it unlikely to significantly reduce energy prices for consumers.

Job creation and local impact

The Institute of Directors estimated that a UK shale industry could support 74,000 jobs. Shale gas companies have also proposed community benefits, such as payments to local areas near wells. However, the economic success seen in the US shale industry may not be replicated in the UK due to different geological complexities and higher drilling costs.

Cost-effectiveness and viability

Studies have questioned the economic viability of UK shale gas. The estimated life cycle costs of shale gas production in the UK are significantly higher than imported liquefied natural gas and even more expensive than US shale gas. Electricity generated from shale gas is also, on average, more expensive than from domestic conventional gas. The impact of shale gas on consumer energy bills is expected to be negligible.

Beyond fracking: the future of UK energy

The complexities and controversies surrounding fracking underscore the urgent need for a forward-looking energy strategy in the UK.

The shift from scarcity to abundance

Fracking exemplifies a "scarcity mindset" in energy policy - a reliance on extracting finite resources through environmentally contentious methods. Fuse Energy challenges this narrative, believing that a future with abundant, clean energy is not only possible but necessary. This vision moves beyond the limitations of fossil fuels and the associated environmental and social costs.

Clean energy alternatives

Instead of pursuing methods like fracking, the UK has a significant opportunity to invest in and expand clean energy alternatives. Renewable sources such as wind and solar power offer a sustainable path to energy independence and security. The average UK home uses around 2,700 kWh of electricity per year1, a demand that can increasingly be met by clean, domestically generated power. By focusing on these solutions, the UK can build an energy system that is both environmentally responsible and resilient.

Fuse Energy is committed to building a future with power to play with, where energy is abundant and clean, making contentious extraction methods like fracking unnecessary. We offer clear pricing, real-time usage data through our app, and 24/7 human customer support. Switching to Fuse Energy is quick and easy, helping you take control of your home's energy.

References

1. UK Government. Subnational electricity and gas consumption summary report 2021