Sheffield Among Areas That Could Face Fracking
Fracking could take place in Sheffield after it was earmarked as one of nearly 30 areas where companies can explore for oil and gas.
New licences were awarded for 27 towns and cities, including Nottingham, Lincoln and Preston.
A further 132 areas, including parts of the West Country and the south coast as well the North East and North West, are set to be awarded subject to further environmental assessment and conditions to protect wildlife and habitats.
Energy minister Lord Bourne said: "As part of our long-term plan to build a more resilient economy, create jobs and deliver secure energy supplies, we continue to back our onshore oil and gas industry and the safe development of shale gas in the UK.
"This is why the OGA (Oil and Gas Authority) has moved quickly to confirm the winners of licence blocks which do not need further environmental assessment.
"Keeping the lights on and powering the economy is not negotiable, and these industries will play a key part in providing secure and reliable energy to UK homes and businesses for decades to come.''
But Greenpeace said the announcement had fired the starting gun for the "fight for the future of our countryside''.
Spokeswoman Daisy Sands said: "Hundreds of battles will spring up to defend our rural landscapes from the pollution, noise and drilling rigs that come with fracking.
"The Government is backing the destructive fracking industry with tax breaks and by stifling local opposition.
"It seems clear that the Government is responding to the vigorous lobbying from the fracking companies by ignoring both the economic and environmental evidence that clean, renewable energy is a far better bet for investment and the planet.''
Francis Egan, CEO of energy company Cuadrilla, said: “We welcome the potential for exploration in Yorkshire along with the associated benefits of new jobs and economic growth we believe it will bring.
"Our first priority will be to talk with local communities. We recognise that some members of the public will have concerns and there continues to be a good deal of misinformation circulated regarding onshore shale exploration.
"Onshore exploration and fracking can and will be done safely, securely and in an environmentally responsible way.”