Shale Gale Blows On In 2015

Shale gas exploration looks set to face a defining year in the UK as changes to land access rights are finalised and new PEDL awards extend the licensed onshore area. We highlight the ongoing interest in shale and the implications of the Government's emerging Infrastructure Bill.

Investor and public interest unabated

The Government's 2014 autumn statement announced a £5m fund for public information on shale regulations and £31m for research centres. It also gives details of a Sovereign Wealth fund for shale. Investors are for the time being following suit: the announcement by Ineos last year that it intends to invest £640m in UK fracking illustrates ongoing commercial interest in shale prospecting.