Modest reserves of shale gas and oil in Scotland

A recent British Geological Survey report has revealed modest reserves of shale gas and oil in Scotland.

The report estimates that the Midland Valley of Scotland – the central region of the country that includes Glasgow and Edinburgh - holds 80 trillion ft³ of shale gas and 6 million bbls of shale oil.

This is substantially less than the estimated 1300 trillion ft³ of gas in the Bowland shale in Northern England.

More exploratory drilling and testing is needed to determine how much of the oil and gas resource is recoverable. The report indicates that the complex geology of the area and historic mine workings mean that potential for extraction is uncertain.

UK energy minister Michael Fallon commented: “We know that shale gas alone won’t be able to supply all of our energy needs, but the environmentally responsible exploration of shale gas could contribute to our energy mix”.

Fallon also said: “Making the most of Britain’s home grown energy is crucial to keep job and business opportunities, widen tax revenues and reduce our reliance on foreign imports”.

Ken Cronin, chief executive of UK Onshore Oil and Gas, said: “This report will give reassurance to investors wishing to explore for oil and gas onshore in Scotland and adds to the estimates of significant onshore resource which can help to replace the UK’s growing dependency on imports and balance the decline of the North Sea.”

Edited from various sources by Emma McAleavey.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/30062014/shale_in_scotland_816/