Fracking versus renewables?
Gordon Moran, writing for the European Energy Centre, predicts a future where
fracking and renewables peacefully co-exist rather than compete for investment
and priority
ydraulic Fracturing, or ‘Fracking’ for short, has been back in the news a lot lately with many
opposing claims in the media about promises of bountiful cheap gas and warnings of dire
environmental pollution. There have also been concerns that the industry will compete with
renewables drawing government support and private sector investment away from the
renewables industry.
The fracking industry does have substantial backing from the British government. There are also
views amongst some in government that renewable energy technologies have unnecessary drawbacks in
terms of aesthetics and cost, who see fracking as a more reliable alternative. Increased levels of natural gas
production have been seen in the United States; however with substantial environmental impacts and at a
relatively high economic cost.
However, the two industries – fracking and renewables - need not compete. Although the UK has been
able to significantly increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources, it is still predominantly reliant on fossil fuels for
electricity production. In addition, part of the UK government’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions has been to encourage the replacement
of coal fired power stations with gas. Renewable generation and lower carbon fossil fuels complement one another as part of the energy
mix. This - combined with strong regional as well as national support for renewables - means that it is likely both technologies will receive
substantial future investment and government support.
To learn more about renewable energy and energy efficiency through learning courses visit www.EUenergycentre.org
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