Independent report

Review of the geological science of shale gas fracturing

The government commissioned the British Geological Survey to advise on the latest scientific evidence around shale gas extraction.

• From: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
• Published: 5 April 2022
• Last updated: 22 September 2022 — See all updates

Documents

Recent scientific advances in the understanding of induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing of shales

PDF, 2.09 MB, 51 pages

Letter from Secretary of State to British Geological Survey outlining terms of reference

PDF, 161 KB, 2 pages

Details

In April 2022 the government commissioned the British Geological Survey to advise on the latest scientific evidence around shale gas extraction. The then Business and Energy Secretary wrote to the British Geological Survey setting out the terms of reference for their work.

The request to the British Geological Survey was made in order to assess if any progress has been made in the scientific understanding which underpins government policy, and to allow ministers to consider next steps.

The British Geological Survey is a component body of UK Research and Innovation. It:

• advises the UK government on all aspects of geoscience
• provides impartial advice on geological matters to the public, academics and industry

Published 5 April 2022
Last updated 22 September 2022 + show all updates

1. 22 September 2022

   British Geological Survey final report published: Recent scientific advances in the understanding of induced seismicity from hydraulic fracturing of shales.

2. 5 April 2022

   First published.