Fracking loaded in the UK?

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26440101

Shale gas estimate in North West 'bigger' than previously thought

Estimates of Cuadrilla's shale gas resource in the North West of England may have to be increased significantly upwards.

A geologist with the company said there is 330 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas in place in its licence area, 50% more than previous estimates.

Cuadrilla is the only company in the UK to have used hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in its test wells.

But it could take two years to see if the gas is commercially viable.

Last summer the British Geological Survey (BGS) reported that there could be around 1,300 tcf of gas in the Bowland basin in North West England.

Based on data from two wells that it had fracked in 2011, Cuadrilla estimated that there was around 200 tcf in its licence areas.

Now a more detailed analysis of seismic and well data suggests a significant upgrade to the gas potential of the area.

"In terms of the resource in place, we originally came out with 200 tcf," said Huw Clarke, a geologist with the company, told a conference in London.

"That was just off one well, that was ratified by the BGS, and we were very happy about that. Since then we've drilled two extra wells and we've shot 100sq km of 3D seismic information and I believe there's closer to 330 tcf in place just within Cuadrilla's licence area alone."

Cuadrilla's fracking at one of the locations, Preese Hall, was controversial as it was believed to have set off two small earthquakes in the area. This led to a temporary ban and new guidelines on safety and best practice.

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