Scotland Urged To 'Seize' Fracking Investment Opportunity
Scotland must seize the opportunity afforded by fracking or lose out to England, the chief executive of chemicals company Ineos has said.
Jim Ratcliffe claimed the controversial shale gas extraction technique offered Scotland a last chance'' to gain economic independence.
He made the appeal as a YouGov poll for the Times found that almost six out of 10 (59%) of Scots are opposed to fracking.
A debate on the issue will be held at the SNP's conference in Aberdeen today and Ineos have taken a stall at the event in an attempt to win round delegates.
The Scottish Government introduced a moratorium on onshore unconventional oil and gas, including fracking, in January but the issue has continued to be divisive, despite last week's announcement that it would be extended to cover underground coal gasification (UCG).
The group Smaug (SNP Members Against Unconventional Gas), which campaigned for the extension, has also been lobbying delegates at the conference.
The YouGov poll revealed that three quarters of those who plan to vote for the SNP in next year's Holyrood election are opposed to fracking, with only 13% backing it.
Writing in the Scottish Sun, Mr Ratcliffe appealed to the Scottish Government not to delay a decision on the technology for too long, arguing that shale gas would be crucial'' to Scotland's future as North Sea gas runs out.
Shale gas is Scotland's best and last chance to gain economic independence,'' he said.
We respect the Scottish Government is deep in thought over fracking. It's an important decision for the country to take. But take too long and the opportunity will pass by.
England is now moving forward with shale and it would be a tragedy for Scotland if they end up taking the lead in this exciting industry, securing the jobs and investments.
It could mean that the north-west of England becomes the next Aberdeen, rather than our central belt.
Shale gas will generate jobs and help secure manufacturing. It will encourage investment. It will help communities through our scheme to give locals 6% of proceeds.
But Scotland has got to seize the opportunity. Otherwise, England will.''
SNP ministers have said the moratorium will allow for more research and consultation on the technique, a process which is not expected to be completed until spring 2017.
Mr Ratcliffe has previously suggested that Scotland could have an onshore shale gas industry within a few years.
Ineos, which runs the Grangemouth plant, has acquired fracking exploration licences across 700 square miles of central Scotland.
The company proposes using shale gas as a raw material for its chemical plants, and has revealed plans to put millions into exploration.