U.K. Ends Ban on Shale Gas Exploration Using Fracking, Requires Seismic Precautions

摘要

The United Kingdom has ended a ban on exploration for shale gas using hydraulic fracturing but operators will be subject to new controls to prevent seismic risks, Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey said Dec. 13.Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a high-pressure drilling method that injects water treated with chemicals into the earth to fracture shale formations and release oil or natural gas. British energy company Cuadrilla Resources was forced to suspend fracking activities in May 2011 after two small seismic tremors occurred at its site in northern England.