After theÌýannouncement ofÌýplans to fast-track theÌýU.K.'s shale gasÌýindustry,Ìýthe next step should beÌýto realize at leastÌýone shale projectÌýto prove the project's worth,Ìýdirector of the Global Warming Policy Foundation warned.
"The mostÌýimportantÌýstep now is to kick-start one shale developmentÌýso that communities around the country can observe how safe and beneficial fracking is," director Benny PeiserÌýtold Anadolu Agency.
On Aug.13, the U.K. governmentÌýreleased new measures to help significantly cut waiting periods for shale projectsÌýto kick-start the industryÌýand even allow forÌýintervention in approval processesÌýif necessary.
"Shale developers will be encouraged if planning processes are speeded up,"ÌýPaul Ekins, director ofÌýthe UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources, University College London, said.
In 2007, onshore shaleÌýgasÌýproduction was proposed, and although aÌýnumber of wells wereÌýdrilled, no commercial production of shale gas in the U.K. has yet been made.
Peiser stressedÌýthe importance of acting fast to realizeÌýprojects by saying, "unless the government takes urgent action to accelerate shale applications and development, shale companies and investors will reassess their projects in Britain."
There are other shale opportunities around the world and investors looking to financeÌýsuch projects "will not wait forever for Britain to get its act together andÌýget fracking," he added.
Communities with shale gas developments should also share in the financial returns generated, the government said in its latest announcement.
"It is essential that local communities share the significant economic benefits of shale extraction,"ÌýPeiser said, and added that the north of EnglandÌýespeciallyÌýwould reap huge rewards "once the shale revolution takes off."
"If the sum of money to go to local communities is large enough, some local people might support shale gas development,"ÌýEkinsÌýcommented.
Peiser andÌýEkins both realize that the decision to accelerate the shale application process will not end all opposition.Ìý
EkinsÌýexpressed his belief that opposition would continue at local level whileÌýPeiser said that the government's announcement would "certainly prevent green campaigners from blockading this vitally important new industry from taking off in the U.K."
By Zeynep Beyza Karabay
Anadolu Agency
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