UK launches shale gas exploration bid round

摘要

London—The UK government has started the long-awaited 14th landward bidding process for onshore oil and gas licenses—the first for six years—with a view to opening up a shale gas production industry that could relieve the country’s increasing import dependency. Since 2008, much more has been learned about shale gas and its capacity to transform energy markets, as has happened in the US. The newly-appointed UK energy minister Matthew Hancock published on Monday details of how companies can apply for licenses which will enable them to start initial exploration. Applications will be accepted up to the October 28. He said: “Unlocking shale gas in Britain has the potential to provide us with greater energy security, jobs and growth. We must act carefully, minimizing risks, to explore how much of our large resource can be recovered to give the UK a new home-grown source of energy. As one of the cleanest fossil fuels, shale gas can be a key part of the UK’s answer to climate change and a bridge to a much greener future.”