Shale gas revolution cuts US greenhouse gases

The prospect of a shale gas revolution here in the UK continues to polarise opinion between those who fear the potential for environmental damage, to advocates of the technology, who claim it’s the only way to get energy bills under control, not to mention the importance of having energy security.

The British Geological survey has estimated that there are huge reserves of shale gas across Northern England – around 1.3 million cubic feet.

But as those arguments continue, figures have been released which illustrate another important dimension to the discussion: how important shale gas could turn out to be in slowing the rise in greenhouse gases which most scientists believe will lead to global warming.

It’s estimated that by producing electricity by burning natural gas from shale at power stations, as opposed to burning coal, around 50% less carbon dioxide is emitted.

And in America, according to figures released by the US Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gas emissions actually dropped 3.4% in 2012 compared with the year before.

The drop, according to the agency, was driven mostly by a switch to natural shale gas from coal by power stations.

Overall, energy sector emissions in America are at their lowest levels since 1994, partly because of shale gas replacing other fossil fuels.

But despite the benefits that shale gas could bring in power generation, detractors in the UK point out that the potential for water contamination in some areas and the chance of heightened seismic activity mean the risks to the environment are still too high.