Collection

Shale gas, hydraulic fracturing, and other unconventional hydrocarbons

Information on exploration, hydraulic fracturing and approach to the development of shale gas in the UK.

• From: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2018 to 2021), Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Environment Agency
• Published: 13 August 2015
• Last updated: 15 February 2017 — See all updates

Information on exploration, hydraulic fracturing and approach to the development of shale gas in the UK.

Guides

Policy information, guidance, infographics and explanations on shale gas and hydraulic fracturing.

• Guidance on application for hydraulic fracturing consent
  • 15 February 2017
  • Guidance
• About shale gas and hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
  • 12 March 2019
  • Guidance

Reports, research and analysis

Independent and government reports, studies and analysis on the potential benefits, risks and locations for shale gas and oil in the UK.

• Underground coal gasification: evidence statement of global warming potential
  • 8 December 2016
  • Research and analysis
• Committee on Climate Change report and government response on the compatibility of UK onshore petroleum with meeting the UK’s carbon budgets
  • 7 July 2016
  • Government response
• Bowland Shale Gas Study
  • 5 March 2015
  • Research and analysis
• BGS Weald Basin Jurassic Shale reports
  • 5 March 2015
  • Independent report
• BGS Midland Valley of Scotland Shale reports
  • 5 March 2015
  • Independent report
• Response to Sunday Times article on value of homes in areas of shale extraction
  • 26 August 2014
  • Government response
• Considerations for quantifying fugitive methane releases from shale gas operations
  • 17 July 2014
  • Research and analysis
• Shale gas extraction: review of potential public health impacts
  • 25 June 2014
  • Guidance
• The Government’s response to the MacKay-Stone report: Potential greenhouse gas emissions associated with shale gas extraction and use
  • 24 April 2014
  • Corporate report
• Potential greenhouse gas emissions associated with shale gas production and use
  • 9 September 2013
  • Research and analysis
• Review of assessment procedures for shale gas well casing installation
  • 15 October 2012
  • Research and analysis
• Shale gas extraction in the UK: review of fracking
  • 29 June 2012
  • Independent report
• Monitoring and control of fugitive methane from unconventional gas operations
  • 8 June 2012
  • Research and analysis
• Induced seismicity in the UK and its relevance to hydraulic stimulation for exploration for shale gas: background note
  • 17 April 2012
  • Policy paper
• Preese Hall shale gas fracturing review and recommendations for induced seismic mitigation
  • 17 April 2012
  • Independent report
• The ‘Shale Gas Revolution’: hype and reality, a Chatham House report
  • 1 September 2010
  • Independent report

Regulation and licensing

Information on rules and regulations for onshore drilling, licensing and risk assessment. Licensing rounds and the licensing system are the responsibility of the Oil and Gas Authority

• Regulatory Roadmap: Onshore oil and gas exploration in the UK regulation and best practice
  • 1 October 2018
  • Guidance
• Amendment to permitted development rights for petroleum exploration
  • 13 August 2015
  • Consultation outcome
• Government defines Protected Areas for shale developments
  • 16 July 2015
  • News story
• Planning application process: statutory consultee arrangements
  • 13 July 2015
  • Consultation outcome
• Infrastructure Act will get Britain building
  • 12 February 2015
  • News story
• Map of Onshore Licences, SEA Areas and Prospective Areas
  • 28 July 2014
  • Guidance
• Guidance on the preparation of an environmental risk assessment of shale gas operations in Great Britain involving the use of hydraulic fracturing
  • 24 April 2014
  • Policy paper
• Shale gas exploratory operations: environmental risk assessment
  • 30 July 2013
  • Guidance
• Sub-surface unsuitability screening
  • 28 January 2013
  • Guidance

Consultation and engagement

Government and industry consultation and community engagement measures for shale gas and hydraulic fracturing.

• Shale Wealth Fund
  • 11 November 2017
  • Consultation outcome
• Local people a step closer to unlocking up to a billion in shale gas revenues
  • 8 August 2016
  • News story
• Amendment to permitted development rights for petroleum exploration
  • 13 August 2015
  • Consultation outcome
• Government defines Protected Areas for shale developments
  • 16 July 2015
  • News story
• Planning application process: statutory consultee arrangements
  • 13 July 2015
  • Consultation outcome
• Third Energy fracking permit consultation extended
  • 2 July 2015
  • Press release
• Business rates retention and shale oil and gas: technical consultation
  • 23 January 2015
  • Consultation outcome
• Public engagement with shale gas and oil
  • 3 December 2014
  • Research and analysis
• Technical consultation on business rates retention for shale
  • 24 October 2014
  • Written statement to Parliament
• Access rights workshop presentation
  • 23 May 2014
  • Policy paper
• Harnessing the potential of the UK’s natural resources: a fiscal regime for shale gas
  • 10 December 2013
  • Consultation outcome
• Gas Transporter Licence Exemption for onshore production of gas
  • 18 July 2013
  • Consultation outcome

Published 13 August 2015
Last updated 15 February 2017 + show all updates

1. 15 February 2017

   Guidance on application for hydraulic fracturing consent.

2. 13 August 2015

   First published.