Fracking: The events so far...
The use of the drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing
(colloquially known as fracking) as part of onshore unconventional
gas exploration has begun again in England for the first time in
seven years.
The process, which involves pumping water, sand and drilling
fluids at high pressure into a target shale play deep underground
to create and keep open narrow fissures (typically hairline in
width) from which gas is then released into the wellbore and
captured at the surface, is currently prohibited in Scotland and
Wales. However, despite vigorous opposition from environmental
groups, which has involved several unsuccessful Court challenges,
neither the energy exploration companies nor the UK Government at
the moment show any sign of giving in to the objectors' demand
that the controversial process should also be banned in
England.
