Energy: Shale Gas

Lord Trefgarne Excerpts

Monday 28th March 2011 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Trefgarne]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the likely implications of the discovery of shale gas on United Kingdom energy policy.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Lord Marland)]

My Lords, exploration for shale gas has only recently commenced in the UK and no commercial production has yet been proven. In a recent study for DECC, the British Geological Survey estimated that there could be worthwhile shale gas resources in the UK. However, on current knowledge, it is not possible to estimate the recoverable reserves and therefore it is too early to assess how shale gas in the UK might impact our energy policy.

[Lord Trefgarne]

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. However, are the discoveries so far not sufficiently encouraging to provide at least the potential for future energy policy? Will he take that potential into account in making his future plans?

[Lord Marland]

That is a very topical question. We hope that fracking—I use the word, which you might think has come from “Call My Bluff”, advisedly—is about to start in Blackpool. We should have the results of that this week. It is being observed. Once we have the results, we will have further study and a greater awareness of what is potentially there.