Evidence session on energy generation in Wales: Shale Gas
17 October 2013
The Welsh Affairs Committee will hold its first evidence session on Shale Gas in Wales on Tuesday 22 October at 10.00 am. The Committee will take evidence from academics and environmental groups.
Shale gas is natural gas (predominately methane) found in shale rocks. Advances in technology – notably hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ - over the last decade have made shale gas development economically viable. Planning permission has been given at a number of sites in Wales for exploratory drilling for shale gas. Further planning permission would be required for a full-scale extraction process.
The Committee will examine the potential for shale gas exploration and commercial level extraction in Wales. It will also explore the environmental and economic impact of shale gas and whether the current regulatory regime covering such activity is adequate.
Evidence session details:
Date: Tuesday 22 October 2013
Time: 10.00 am
Location: Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Witnesses
10.00am
- Professor Hywel Thomas, Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering (Cardiff University)
- Professor Richard Davies, Durham University
- Professor Kevin Anderson, Deputy Director, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
10.45am
- Trefor Owen, Executive Director for National Services, Natural Resources Wales
- Gareth Clubb, Director, Friends of the Earth Cymru
- Nick Molho, Head of Policy, Climate and Energy, WWF
This session will be televised.
This evidence session is open to the public and press, all are welcome to attend. The venue is fully accessible. There is no need to reserve a place but if you would like more information please contact the Committee on 020 7219 6189 or welshcom@parliament.uk
Further information
This is the first in a series of inquiries that the Committee will hold into energy generation in Wales during this Parliament.
Specific Committee Information: welshcom@parliament.uk tel: 020 7219 6189
Media Information: Jessica Bridges-Palmer bridgespalmerj@parliament.uk tel: 020 7219 0724
Committee Website: http://www.parliament.uk/welshcom
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