UK to Support Shale Gas Granting Benefit to Local Communities, says Energy Minister

UK government reiterated its commitment to support shale gas, focusing on mechanisms to grant benefits to local communities nearby explorations, said Energy Minister Michael Fallon.

“It is important that those who suffer disruption in the area from drilling do see some benefits, grants or expenditure or, better still, discounts on their bills, which could really be rather significant,” said Fallon on Thursday.

UK government is pushing for shale gas in the last six months, after lifting an 18-month moratorium on fracking last December.

Energy Minister Michael Fallon said that the UK government is working with the industry to come up with a solution as soon as possible.

“We are discussing with the industry and will be consulting on more specific proposals shortly,” said Fallon in Parliament.

The government is also keen to extend community benefits to areas hosting windfarms, as a part of a differentiated energy mix.

IGas, one of the companies granted a shale gas exploration licence by UK authorities, revised upwards its gas in place estimates on Monday.