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Survey to establish Scotland's shale gas and oil reserves Scotland 'has modest reserves' of shale gas and oil
(about 1 hour later)
The size and location of Scotland's reserves of shale oil and gas are to be outlined by a new study. Scotland has only a "modest amount" of shale gas and oil, according to a new study.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) report will be used to decide whether "fracking" could be used in Scotland. The British Geological Survey (BGS) report was commissioned to decide whether "fracking" could be used in Scotland.
Initial reports suggest Scotland's shale gas reserves are smaller than those already identified in England. It estimates there are 80 trillion cubic feet of shale gas in central Scotland and six billion barrels of shale oil.
Environmental groups have urged ministers to commit to using greener methods to meet energy demands. That compares to 13 trillion cubic feet in the north of England and 4.4 billion barrels in the south of England.
Major deposits of shale gas have already been identified in the north of England. The survey has now assessed reserves across a vast swathe of central Scotland. The amount of oil and gas which could be commercially recovered is expected to be "substantially" lower.
The focus in Scotland could be on shale oil rather than than shale gas. UK energy minister Michael Fallon said shale gas and oil reserves in central Scotland would not provide "an energy bonanza".
But it remains unclear if it would be possible to extract much of it on a commercially-viable basis. Mr Fallon said: "Making the most of Britain's home grown energy is crucial to keep job and business opportunities, widen tax revenues and reduce our reliance on foreign imports.
Generating jobs
"We know that shale gas alone won't be able to supply all our energy needs, but the environmentally responsible exploration of shale gas could contribute to our energy mix."
He added: "Only the broad shoulders of the United Kingdom can attract investment in new energy sources and maintain the UK's position as one of the world's great energy hubs - generating energy and generating jobs.
"The UK's energy security is among the best in the world, backed by a large consumer and tax base that can afford to support our world-leading energy industries and make us such an attractive place to invest."
Environmentalists have mounted a series of protests in England against the controversial "fracking" system of extracting shale gas and will campaign against any proposals to frack or drill in the central belt.Environmentalists have mounted a series of protests in England against the controversial "fracking" system of extracting shale gas and will campaign against any proposals to frack or drill in the central belt.
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: "In the interests of tackling climate change, irrespective of what the BGS findings reveal, Scottish ministers should be preparing to commit to leaving fossil fuels in the ground.WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: "In the interests of tackling climate change, irrespective of what the BGS findings reveal, Scottish ministers should be preparing to commit to leaving fossil fuels in the ground.
"Only last week it was revealed that Scotland is now generating record amounts of renewable electricity, while other studies have shown we could generate all of our electricity demands without the need for new fossil fuel burning."Only last week it was revealed that Scotland is now generating record amounts of renewable electricity, while other studies have shown we could generate all of our electricity demands without the need for new fossil fuel burning.
"Whether it's shale gas, coal or oil, Scotland really needs to begin transitioning away from polluting fossil fuels.""Whether it's shale gas, coal or oil, Scotland really needs to begin transitioning away from polluting fossil fuels."