The Government stepped up its support for shale gas yesterday, sparking a fresh row with environmental groups over the controversial process of “fracking” for energy.
A report by engineering giant Amec set out the potential benefits of shale gas, including the creation of between 16,000 and 32,000 jobs, and ÂŁ100,000 to communities where sites are based.
Energy minister Michael Fallon said shale gas exploration could bring growth, jobs and energy security to the UK.
But Greenpeace accused the Government of wanting to open two thirds of England up to fracking, creating enough waste water to fill 40,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, while villages could experience up to 51 truck movements a day.
Friends of the Earth energy campaigner Tony Bosworth said: “The Government admits shale gas and coal bed methane development could have significant impacts on people and the environment, while experts say they won’t bring down bills.”
Consultations will be held in the coming months, and a new licensing round to allow companies to explore for shale gas will be launched in the summer.
Mr Fallon forecast a high degree of interest from companies, with between 50 and 150 licences issued.
Amec’s strategic environmental assessment identified the potential for increased traffic and water demand to be “significant”.
Mr Fallon said traffic volumes would be a “key consideration” in the planning process for shale gas.
Growth of production in the US was having an “enormous impact” on household bills.
Anna Jones of Greenpeace said: “There’s no public mandate for this industrialisation of the English countryside and digging up new fossil fuels.”