Cuadrilla gets green light for Lancashire fracking site

Submitted in May 2018, the application was scrutinised by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), with Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry signing off consent. In a statement issued by the department, Perry said she was satisfied that all 13 technical requirements set out by the 1998 Petroleum Act had been met.

Previously, Perry had stated that the financial resilience of all shale gas operators would be a key consideration when assessing applications. In this instance, consent has been granted on the basis of access to Cuadrilla partner Spirit Energy’s latest financial accounts, or escrow funds being deposited in support of any potential decommissioning costs.

“I have carefully considered Cuadrilla’s application and I am content that Hydraulic Fracturing Consent should be granted in this instance,” said Perry.

“Shale gas has the potential to be a new domestic energy source, further enhancing our energy security and helping us with our continued transition to a lower-carbon economy. It also has the capacity to deliver substantial economic benefits, both nationally and locally, as well as through the creation of well paid, high-quality jobs.