UK’s oil and gas reserves ‘may only last a decade’

The UK’s current oil and gas reserves may last only a decade. That’s according to a new study from scientists at the University of Edinburgh, who say only around 10% […]

The UK’s current oil and gas reserves may last only a decade.

That’s according to a new study from scientists at the University of Edinburgh, who say only around 10% of the UK’s original recoverable oil and gas remains.

The analysis also finds fracking will be barely economically feasible in the UK because of a lack of sites with suitable geology.

It claims the UK will soon have to import all the oil and gas it needs or move towards greater use of offshore wind and solar energy.

The researchers strongly suggest the UK Government should take stock of the projected shortfall in energy resources and work out how this might be addressed.

Roy Thompson, Professor of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh, said: “The UK urgently needs a bold energy transition plan, instead of trusting dwindling fossil fuel reserves and possible fracking.

“We must act now and drive the necessary shift to a clean economy with integration between energy systems. There needs to be greater emphasis on renewables, energy storage and improved insulation and energy efficiencies.”

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