The Scottish Government has announced that it does not support fracking, meaning that an effective ban has been placed on the practice in Scotland. A moratorium on the technique has been in place since 2015, and this will continue indefinitely. The decision followed extensive evidence gathering, and a four-month consultation that received more than 60,000 responses. Of these responses, 99 per cent were opposed to fracking.
The main concerns that were expressed in the responses were in relation to the potential significant and long-lasting negative impacts on communities, health, the environment and the climate. Some expressed scepticism regarding the ability of regulators to mitigate negative impacts. Others were unconvinced that unconventional oil and gas would provide an economic benefit to Scotland's energy mix.
Shale gas is currently processed in Scotland at a site in Grangemouth after it has been shipped in from overseas. Under the current moratorium, enforced by planning regulations, it cannot be extracted from beneath Scottish soil. Although the move was welcomed by environmental groups, it was not supported by Ineos, the operators of the Grangemouth petrochemical plant. Ineos, which holds fracking exploration licences across 700 square miles of Scotland, felt that the move would be damaging to Scotland's economy.
Paul Wheelhouse, minister for business innovation and energy, acknowledged the strong views on both sides, but wanted to reinforce the Scottish Government's unwavering support for Scotland's industrial base. He stated that: "Manufacturing and the chemicals industry continue to play a crucial role in the Scottish economy. The Scottish Government understands that a supportive fiscal regime, affordable energy, access to the right skills, and good infrastructure are all essential to future success. That is why this government will continue to support industry in a range of different ways in the months and years to come."
This decision comes into effect immediately, as the Scottish Government has written to all local authorities to say that the directions issuing the moratorium remain in place. The Government will now seek the Scottish Parliament's endorsement for the ban through a vote, and a Strategic Environmental Assessment will be undertaken.
