Central Scotland could be at the heart of a new shale oil and gas boom after a national bidding process kicked off.
The UK Government is offering shale extraction licences to fracking firms, just a month after an industry report revealed areas in the middle of the country could be tapped for 11.2 billion barrels.
Environmental campaigners, still reeling from claims an energy firm has a licence to drill for gas under the Wallace Monument, have branded the prospect of any bonanza “wishful thinking”.
However a study from a scientific panel, ordered by the Scottish Government, concluded that “significant reserves” could be available in Scotland, with the potential for the birth of a major operation.
Scottish Conservative energy spokesman Murdo Fraser MSP welcomed the decision to provide the licences, which would need to be accompanied by planning and environmental permission before work could begin.
He said: “This move shows the UK Government is serious about exploring shale’s potential, and it’s time the Scottish Government matched that ambition.
“It’s more important than ever that we find new energy sources, and we’d be foolish to ignore the possibilities of fracking. The discovery of shale would also provide a boost for the economy and potentially thousands of new jobs.
“The rest of the UK is moving ahead with this shale revolution, and Scotland can’t afford to be left behind.”
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