Scotland home to "modest" shale resources

A recent report by the British Geological Survey has looked at the resources available in the Midland Valley, Scotland. It found that a modest amount of gas and oil is available.

The central estimate of shale gas is 80 trillion cubic feet, and the estimate of shale oil, is 6 billion barrels of oil. The precise amount that could be commercially recovered would need to be established between exploratory drilling, although is anticipated to be lower.

The Midland Valley area does have a complicated geology with historic mine workings. Drilling would therefore be essential. Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon 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. 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.” “Only the broad shoulders of the United Kingdom can attract investment in new energy sources and maintain the UK’s position as one of the world’s great energy hubs – generating energy and generating jobs. The UK’s energy security is among the best in the world, backed by a large consumer and tax base that can afford to support our world-leading energy industries and make us such an attractive place to invest.” Professor Mike Stephenson, Director of Science and Technology at the British Geological Survey added:

“The central estimate of shale gas in place is 80 trillion cubic feet and the central estimate for shale oil in place is 6 billion barrels of oil but reserves cannot be calculated at this stage before drilling and testing take place. The Midland Valley of Scotland has complex geology and a relative lack of data compared to the previous DECC-BGS Bowland-Hodder and Weald Basin studies.”