Cuadrilla inches closer to beginning fracking at Preston New Road
The energy company have drilled the first ever shale gas well in the UK
Cuadrilla have announced they have successfully completed drilling the UK's first ever horizontal shale gas well at the Preston New Road site.
They are now set to begin drilling the second well, with planning consent granted to drill a total of up to four horizontal wells on the site.
They have announced they now plan to apply for consent to start fracking the first well. The company has to go to the Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for permission.
Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, said:
“Our completion of the UK’s first ever horizontal shale gas well is a major milestone towards getting Lancashire gas flowing into Lancashire homes as we lead the way on UK exploration. From the data we have amassed so far we are optimistic that, after fracturing the shale rock, natural gas will flow into this horizontal well in commercially viable quantities demonstrating that the UK’s huge shale gas resources can be safely produced and contribute to improving the UK’s energy security.
The news comes as anti-fracking campaigners launch three months of non-stop action at the Preston New Road site.
Representatives from Frack Free Lancashire and United Resistance will hold rallies, demonstrations, events and gatherings in a bid to stop the arrival of materials needed to begin fracking.
Tina Rothery, from Frack Free Lancashire says:
"We hope to bring this industry to a close now. Every single day at the roadside, 24-hour cover, watching them degrade our agricultural landscape and threatened by this industry.
"We're tired and it's been a very long hard fight. They're at the stage now where they can soon begin fracking and this will be the period of time when they will be bringing in undiluted chemicals and other substances that will be very dangerous to our children."