1 Introduction
1. We last examined the issue of shale gas in
2010-11.[1] At that time
we concluded that, even though shale gas resources in the UK could
be considerable, they were unlikely to be a "game changer"
to the same extent as they have been in the US. Our Report focused
mainly on the environmental impact of shale gas in response to
public concern at that time. Since that inquiry there have been
two significant changes. First, there have been new shale gas
estimates both in the UK, and globally, which have fluctuated
significantly, and second, there is speculation that a "shale
gas revolution" will bring an era of abundant, cheap gas.
Our aim was to investigate these claims.
2. We launched our inquiry in September 2012.
We received 35 submissions of written evidence, for which we are
grateful.[2] We held three
oral evidence sessions. A full list of witnesses can be found
at the end of this report.[3]
We would like to express our thanks to all those who contributed
to our evidence-gathering.
3. In this Report we consider the implications
of the "shale gas revolution" for energy markets around
the world. In chapter 3 we review the prospects of shale gas assessing
the reliability of new figures in the context of significant uncertainty.
In chapters 4 and 5 we assess the potential impact of shale gas
on energy markets and climate change mitigation globally, in Europe
and in the UK. In chapters 6 and 7 we also consider other potential
impacts on the UK and key issues the Government will need to consider
when developing its own shale gas industry.
1 Energy and Climate Change Committee, Fifth Report
of Session 2010-12, Shale Gas, HC 795 Back
2
List of written evidence, p 48 Back
3
Witnesses, p 47 Back
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