Fracking in the UK: Current Status and the Moratorium Explained

As of 2024, no commercial hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is taking place in the United Kingdom. The UK government implemented a moratorium in November 2019 that remains in effect, effectively halting the industry's development.

The Moratorium: Background and Basis

Trigger Event

The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA, now North Sea Transition Authority) published a report concluding it was not possible to accurately predict the magnitude of earthquakes triggered by fracking. This followed a 2.9 magnitude tremor at Cuadrilla's Preston New Road site in Lancashire (August 2019)—exceeding the 0.5 magnitude "red light" threshold in the traffic light monitoring system.

Government Response

The Conservative government announced an immediate moratorium, stating: "The government has always been clear that shale gas exploration must be carried out safely... We will not support future fracking projects unless compelling new evidence shows it can be done safely."

What the Moratorium Covers

• No new planning permissions for fracking
• No new hydraulic fracturing consents
• Existing permissions not revoked but cannot be acted upon
• Applies to England (devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland have separate policies)

Devolved Nations' Positions

• Scotland: Effective ban since 2015 via planning policy; confirmed 2017
• Wales: Planning policy presumption against; 2018
• Northern Ireland: Executive opposed; no licenses granted

Previous Activity (2011–2019)

Limited exploration occurred, primarily by Cuadrilla Resources in Lancashire:

• Preese Hall (2011): Two minor tremors (2.3, 1.5 ML) triggered first moratorium (lifted 2012)
• Preston New Road (2017–2019): Multiple tremors, largest 2.9 ML, led to permanent moratorium
• Kirby Misperton (North Yorkshire): Permission granted but not developed

Political Debate and Potential Reversal

The moratorium became a political flashpoint during the 2022 energy crisis:

• Liz Truss (Sept 2022): Briefly lifted moratorium to boost domestic energy
• Rishi Sunak (Oct 2022): Reinstated moratorium on first day as PM
• Labour Party: Committed to maintaining ban
• Industry advocates: Cite energy security, jobs, tax revenue; claim improved monitoring
• Opponents: Cite seismic risk, water contamination, climate commitments, local opposition

Current Legal Status

The moratorium is a policy position, not primary legislation. It could be reversed by a future government without new Acts of Parliament, though planning and regulatory hurdles would remain. The North Sea Transition Authority retains regulatory oversight.

For now, UK shale gas remains undeveloped, with the moratorium reflecting the precautionary principle in the face of geological uncertainty and strong public opposition.