Conclusions
Importance of gas to the UK's energy
needs
1. Gas
will continue to play a significant part in the UK's energy mix
for the foreseeable future. In addition to using other sources
of energy, it is therefore vital that the UK identify new sources
of gas if it is to safeguard the UK's security of supply. (Paragraph
15)
2. We
recognise that there is a lack of data regarding the amount of
shale gas in Wales. It is therefore difficult to estimate the
extent of shale gas resources in Wales and the potential impact
shale gas may have on the UK's dependence on imports. (Paragraph
16)
Shale Gas versus renewables
3. Investing
in renewable energy technology will be an important factor in
the UK becoming a lower carbon economy. The development of shale
gas in Wales and the rest of the UK should not be done to the
detriment of the development of renewable energy technology. (Paragraph
33)
Economic impacts
4. It
is not yet clear whether shale gas has the potential to develop
into a lucrative industry in Wales but it is possible that it
could provide jobs across a wide range of skills sets. If so,
it is imperative that as many local people have, or quickly obtain,
the skills required for these new positions. (Paragraph 42)
5. In
the current circumstances, it appears unlikely that shale gas
production could significantly reduce household gas prices due
to the UK's inclusion in the European Gas Network. (Paragraph
49)
6. It
is vital that commercial companies seeking to exploit shale gas
in Wales engage positively with local communities. Communities
should also benefit financially from shale gas operations in their
areas. (Paragraph 53)
Environmental impacts
7. The
disruption caused by traffic and noise pollution during shale
gas development and extraction is a significant issue. We have
concerns that large numbers of lorry movements to and from shale
gas sites, as well as the noise at those sites, will have a negative
impact on the Welsh countryside and the quality of life for local
communities. (Paragraph 62)
8. We
understand the concerns of the public about the risk of seismic
activity as a result of fracking. The evidence suggests, however,
that this is a low risk. The development of new technologies and
safety processes by the industry in recent years has further reduced
the risk of serious seismic activity. However, all parties need
to remain vigilant. Any persistent occurrences of serious seismic
activity in the UK would seriously damage public confidence in
shale gas exploitation. (Paragraph 70)
9. The
issue of treatment and disposal of wastewater is a growing concern.
There is a need to ensure toxic and radioactive water is treated
and not allowed to contaminate water courses. Therefore comprehensive
impact assessment and mitigation measures need to be ensured in
all cases. (Paragraph 72)
Regulatory and planning regime
10. Wales
includes many areas of natural beauty and heritage. As a shale
gas industry develops in Wales, careful consideration should be
given to the proximity to, and the potential impacts on, areas
of natural beauty and sites designated for their ecological value.
(Paragraph 82)
11. It
is inherently unsatisfactory that the Welsh planning authorities
are looking at guidance that has been promulgated only in England
and applying it in Wales. We believe that a Technical Advice Note
for unconventional gas would assist local planning authorities
making planning application decisions for shale gas exploration
and extraction. (Paragraph 88)
12. Shale
gas has the potential to have significant environmental effects
on the Welsh landscape. We believe that environmental impacts
must be understood and properly considered at an early stage in
the process. (Paragraph 93)
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