Fracking could take place in Britain this year for the first time since 2011, under plans that could get the green light from council officials this week. Gas company Third Energy is seeking planning permission to frack a shale gas well it has drilled at Kirby Misperton in Ryedale, North Yorkshire. If the company gets the go-ahead, gas from the site could be powering homes in Yorkshire before the end of this year, Rasik Valand, its chief executive, told the Telegraph. After months of consultation, North Yorkshire County Council’s planning officer is this week expected to issue her recommendation on whether councillors should approve or reject the plans. A recommendation of approval would take Britain to the verge of finally kicking off a shale gas industry that has been plagued by setbacks and delays desp ite the enthusiastic support of Government. However, councillors could yet defy the officer’s recommendation on the application, which has proved highly contentious.
Telegraph 7th May 2016 read more »
THE petrochemical company, Ineos, is hiring new managers and scientists in London with the “immediate intention” of pushing ahead with fracking central Scotland, the Sunday Herald can reveal. The £28 billion multinational, which runs plants at Grangemouth, is advertising for a new director, a land manager and geologists to exploit licences granted by the UK government to frack for underground shale gas across hundreds of square kilometres around Falkirk and Stirling. The company is proceeding despite a Scottish Government moratorium and widespread opposition to fracking from communities and political parties. Its move has prompted furious responses from environmentalists and campaigners. Mark Ruskell, environment spokesman for the Scottish Greens and the newly-elected MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, acc used Ineos of jumping the gun. “Scottish communities have made clear their opposition to this dangerous and unnecessary technology and will be angered to hear that this company is gearing up for drilling,” he said. “It shows the need for the SNP to come down clearly on the side of communities and turn the moratorium into a permanent ban. The new group of Green MSPs will continue to lead the political fight against fracking and we will increase the pressure on ministers to stop Ineos in their tracks.”
Sunday Herald 8th May 2016 read more »