The UK can set an example for the rest of Europe to safely frack.

That’s the view of John Blaymires, Chief Operating Officer of IGas Energy, who believes shale gas exploration in the UK can guide other European countries.

Speaking at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) London Annual Conference yesterday, Mr Blaymires said: “If the UK can demonstrate that they can make it safely, there will be pressure in France and Germany  to make it.”

Shale gas industry can work in the UK because there is an “enormous” amount of resources in the country, he added, suggesting more developments are needed to boost the technology.

He also believes shale gas has the potential “to be a major contributor to the UK’s energy security and is an important step towards the decarbonisation of the economy”.

Public engagement is also a concern for the sector and Mr Blaymires believes “people need to know what we do”.

He added: “We need more transparency.”

James Rose, Policy Manager of the Office of Unconventional Gas and Oil (UOGO) at DECC said it is important “to explain to the public the role of shale gas”.

Mr James explained the decisions regarding the UK’s shale gas regulations take into account the government’s climate change commitments.

CEO of Dutch gas and oil company Jan Dirk Bokhoven, said at the conference the way gas is marketed must be changed.