Energy Minister Charles Hendry has faced questions over the depths of shale gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ after a fellow MP’s constituents raised concerns over the impact of the controversial process.
Ex-Shadow Energy Minister Huw Irranca-Davies (pictured) asked what the maximum depth of drilling operations and fracking for shale gas is in the UK on behalf of concerned constituents, said his spokesperson.
In a written answer to Parliament, the minister replied that fracking and drilling depths will be dependent on the well location.
Mr Hendry said: “The most active drilling area and the only one where hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale gas has been carried out is at Cuadrilla’s site near Blackpool. Two exploration wells have been drilled, the deepest to a depth of 10,775 feet, and a further well is currently being drilled. Fracking has only taken place at one site-at depths of between 6,550 and 8,823 feet.”
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