Scotland launches research on fracking

The Scottish Government has launched a research programme into the impacts of unconventional onshore oil and gas extraction. It is inviting tenders for the project which will focus on transport impacts, decommissioning […]

The Scottish Government has launched a research programme into the impacts of unconventional onshore oil and gas extraction.

It is inviting tenders for the project which will focus on transport impacts, decommissioning and aftercare and seismic monitoring.

It will also study the economic and climate impacts.

The government aims to give stakeholders and the public time to consider the issues and express their views and concerns on shale oil and gas.

The results of the research are scheduled to be published in summer 2016.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “No fracking can or will take place while our moratorium remains in place. We have committed to carry out a wide-ranging research programme, followed by an extensive public consultation, which will allow interested parties to express their views.

“The Scottish Government has now invited tenders for key components of this research. Overall, this programme is a comprehensive package of work covering key aspects of onshore unconventional oil and gas.”

The UK Government announced it will support the creation of the shale gas industry and ensure communities benefit from a Shale Wealth Fund, which could be worth up to £1 billion.

It will also decide whether fracking in Lancashire should proceed or not.

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