Tuesday 3 July 2012

Professor doubts shale gas potential

Natural gas from shale deposits will not be the solution for the UK's future energy needs, according to a researcher at the University of Leicester.

Professor Mike Bradshaw said Britain should not depend on gas as prices are likely to increase due to growing demand from countries like China and India.

At a conference of the Royal Geographical Society in Edinburgh today, he will argue that levels of exploitation on shale gas won't happen for many years due to logistical and environmental challenges in the country.

Following his research, Professor Bradshaw said: "Shale gas is unlikely to be a game-changer in the UK.”

He added: “There is a high degree of risk and uncertainty associated with every element of the UK's energy strategy - whether that's energy efficiency, renewable energy or carbon capture and storage.”