Posts: 3,857
Threads: 266
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
If it`s a choice between being self sufficient in energy supply (shale gas ) and depending on the Russian pipeline or LPG ships from the gulf, I think it`s a no-brainer. I`d go for the shale every time.
I watched an American program concerned about contaminated ground water due to the chemicals that were added to the high pressure fracking process and the assurances that GB operations would use less harmful chemicals (they would say that wouldn`t they?).
EVERYONE has vested interests but if we can secure our own (safe) supplies and the resultant job opportunities it would generate, we shouldn`t be going off half-cock and waving banners trying to block the exploration.
Jim
Posts: 1,467
Threads: 71
Joined: Mar 2007
Reputation:
0
The contamination due to fraccing issue doesn't line up with reality, contamination of what? At the depth that shales exist, the natural ground temperature is greater than the boiling point of water., aquifers would divert under these conditions taking the least path of resistance If methanols are used as fraccing fluids it can only result that an alcohol (following methyl being subjected to heat and pressure - which may turn methyl to ethyl, the basis of a good vodka or whiskey). if the issue is proppant, then sands are used for the purpose which form the structure of the strata on either side of the shale (sandstone). I have never seen any other than anecdotal evidence of "contamination" coming from the mouths of opponents to these technologies. Can some facts be tabled please?
Posts: 3,857
Threads: 266
Joined: Mar 2003
Reputation:
0
As I said, it was an American documentary and the British exploration companies took the data seriously enough to comment upon what type of alternative chemicals they would use here in the UK.
The `evidence` offered was based upon unusual clusters of illness being reported directly in the vicinity of fracking wells and the resultant analysis of the drinking water.
I`ve no idea if these claims are accurate or not, I`m just repeating what the program said.
Jim
Posts: 396
Threads: 16
Joined: Jan 2011
Reputation:
0
A handful of Fracking protesters protested to David Cameron today when he came to Wigan to open The Wigan Youth Zone. I dont think he even saw them. Most people are unaware what all the fuss is about.
frank h.
Posts: 1,467
Threads: 71
Joined: Mar 2007
Reputation:
0
It's a fair point Audrey. Self sufficiency is a valuable thing in Europe. Shale gas has the potential to eclipse the reserves that were found in the North Sea at the beginning of the UK oil and gas era. It has to be decided if the UK go down that path of whether to sell the gas overseas or to use it for investment in British industry and domestic consumption. A concept at odds with the trend in recent years to sell off national assets to any investor and offer for sale any commodity with only a commission being paid to the Crown. These one-off commissions subsequently squandered on funding unemployed EU claimants and their families in countries of origin, or the vital work of ensuring the British taxpayer funds the defence of convicted terrorists from being deported from Britain after conviction to protect their human rights under EU legislation.
