Wrexham Avoids New Fracking Block Allocation – By 14 Miles

Wrexham, and Wales, appear to have been excluded from the latest round of ‘fracking’ block allocations by the UK Government.

The new blocks likely to be issued include two around 14 miles to the east of Wrexham, and another block close to Tarporley to the north east of Wrexham.

Nationally the announcement includes a caveat that local decision makers will still hold the key to deciding if such blocks are explored using various technologies, including ‘fracking’ via hydraulic fracturing, however as Wrexham has experienced that is not always the case – with local planning decisions overruled despite strong local opposition on environmental grounds.

A ‘block’ is an area of land, typically 10km2. The Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (PEDL), granted under the provisions of the Petroleum Act 1998, affords exclusive rights to licensees “to search and bore for and get petroleum” in all the various stages of oil and gas operations – exploration, appraisal, production and abandonment of wells.

The PEDL itself does not confer on the licensee any consent, approval or permission to carry out specified development activities – all activities, such as drilling, will necessarily require further consents, including planning permission and environmental permits.

Following discussion with prospective licensees, and in accordance with the new devolution settlements set out in the Scotland Bill currently before Parliament and the soon to be introduced Wales Bill, the UK Government has decided that no new PEDLs will be awarded in Scotland or Wales as part of the 14th Round thus why Wrexham and to the west have no areas awarded.

The full map can be found here as a PDF, with an edited version including the legend below. The main areas allocated are across Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

UK Energy Minister Lord Bourne said: “As part of our long-term plan to build a more resilient economy, create jobs and deliver secure energy supplies, we continue to back our onshore oil and gas industry and the safe development of shale gas in the UK. This is why the OGA has moved quickly to confirm the winners of licence blocks which do not need further environmental assessment.

“Keeping the lights on and powering the economy is not negotiable, and these industries will play a key part in providing secure and reliable energy to UK homes and businesses for decades to come.

“It’s important we press on and get shale moving, while maintaining strong environmental controls. Investment in shale could reach £33 billion and support 64,000 jobs creating financial security for hardworking people and their families, whilst providing a cost-efficient bridge to lower-carbon energy use.”