“Clearer picture needed if UK intends to develop its shale gas resource”

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Otherwise, we'll assume you're OK to continue. "Clearer picture needed if UK intends to develop its shale gas resource” A clearer picture of the UK's geology is needed if it is to develop its shale gas resource, a Durham University expert has said. Professor Andy Aplin , Professor of Unconventional Petroleum in the Department of Earth Sciences , was commenting after Chancellor George Osborne announced during his Autumn Statement that the Government was taking steps "to ensure that the UK leads the way with shale gas regulation". Professor Aplin, who is also the Director of Durham University's CeREES Centre for Geoenergy , said: "Today's Autumn Statement suggests that 'shale gas could increase the UK's energy security, support thousands of jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and generate substantial tax revenue'. "Any and all of this depends on the amounts of gas which can be produced economically, which is currently unknown due to the almost complete absence of exploration wells.