Ineos now offers drilling of a test site that can be monitored for seismic activity and carbon emissions. The process involves blasting shale rock with water, sand and chemicals at high pressure to release gas.
The BGS review will examine whether there have been new technological developments in shale gas extraction that could justify lifting the moratorium. The report is expected by the end of June.
Stephen Bowler, CEO of fracking company iGas, said: “It’s really a choice for the country. If people do not want any disruption, then we can continue to rely on imports, but this will affect the prices people pay.
“Everything you do affects the communities you work in, and it’s important to explain what you do to people and do it well. We have a geothermal business and it is obviously renewable, but it works on a similar principle as fracking.
“The controversy here is not really about science. The decision to ban fracking was made just before the general election. They said they would be led by science, but I think it’s also a matter of public opinion.”
He said iGas consulted with the local community when setting up a gas project in northern Nottinghamshire.
“The local community was much happier after we got involved with them and ended up drilling this well because we were able to build trust,” he said.
“We had different open days and we had a room in the back of a local pub where people could come and talk to me and the rest of the team.
“It simply came to our notice then. For example, many people didn’t know that when you drill a well, the gear goes away and you just stay with your head on a well two or three feet high. “
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