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Beneath the rolling hills of Northern England lies a deeply contested energy source: trillions of cubic feet of shale gas. Fracking, the technique used to extract it, involves drilling into complex shale rock formations—and it can also be applied to extract oil. However, despite its potential, fracking remains one of modern history’s most controversial energy extraction methods.
This article will discuss what is fracking? how does it work, and why it has ignited fierce debates across the UK. Is it a step toward energy independence or an environmental disaster?
What is Fracking and Why is it Controversial?
So, what is fracking? The key context we need to understand is that as the rocks beneath us form and change over time and they can trap pockets of gas deep within them. You can think of these pockets as air bubbles filled with natural gas that we can burn in exchange for energy. However, unlike conventional drilling, which taps into easily accessible reservoirs, fracking is designed to extract hydrocarbons trapped within dense rock formations that would otherwise be inaccessible.
To access these gas deposits, engineers begin by drilling a vertical well deep into the main rock structure using a powerful drill similar to oil and mineral extraction. This is the brute-force phase of the process—simply getting close enough to the shale formations.
Once the well reaches the shale layer, engineers extend the drill horizontally for thousands of feet, increasing the extraction area. Then, a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and specialised chemicals is injected into the rock. The water fractures the shale, allowing the trapped gas to escape. The sand acts as a proppant, preventing the fractures from closing, while the chemicals help reduce friction and inhibit bacterial growth inside the well.
Because the gas has been trapped for millions of years under immense pressure, it rushes out through the newly created fractures, forming a powerful gas jet that energy companies capture and process.
Now we’ve answered “what is fracking?” for those wondering what is fracking used for, the answer is simple: it unlocks previously inaccessible sources of natural gas and oil, providing a significant energy supply boost. However, concerns remain about its environmental impact, particularly regarding water usage, chemical contamination, and potential seismic activity.
The “Father” of Fracking?
The bare roots of fracking can be traced back to the late 1940s when the oil and gas industry developed early hydraulic fracturing techniques. However, modern fracking – as we know it today – was pioneered by George P. Mitchell, who oversaw the creation of the first horizontal well that penetrated the Barnett Shale in Texas in 1991.
At the time, the industry knew the answer to the scale of shale gas, but it was considered too difficult and expensive to extract. Mitchell’s breakthrough came from combining horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing, allowing gas to be recovered from dense rock formations. However, to convince investors and industry leaders of its viability, he initially had to prove the concept using more conventional vertical drilling before scaling up to the complete horizontal technique.
Mitchell is regarded as the “father” of modern fracking, with many engineers and researchers citing his work in industry literature. While his contributions revolutionised energy extraction, fracking has since evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry operated by global energy giants.
Why is Fracking Called Fracking?
The term “fracking” is a shortened form of “hydraulic fracturing”, which extracts natural gas and oil from shale rock. The word comes from the key step in the technique: fracturing the rock by injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals.
Shale Rock is made up of thin, layered formations that can trap pockets of gas. The pressurised fluid fractures these layers, creating pathways for the gas to escape. This fracturing process, driven by hydraulic pressure, is what gives fracking its name.
Why is Fracking so Controversial?
For those still wondering what is fracking, it’s important to consider both the advantages and risks before forming an opinion. Fracking has caused fierce, global debates due to its environmental, health, and geological impact. While advocates argue that it provides a path to energy independence -which is now more important than ever- Fracking critics stress its water usage, chemical contamination risks, and potential to trigger earthquakes.
Water Consumption and Pollution Risks
Every single fracking operation requires millions of gallons of water per well. This water is then mixed with chemicals and gritty sand to fracture the rock and release gas. This gigantic water use raises concerns, notably in areas prone to droughts or water shortages.
Once used, the water (now polluted with chemicals, metals, and naturally occurring radioactive materials)—must be disposed of, or treated where possible. There has been cases where improper handling of this wastewater has led to groundwater contamination, sparking fears that some of these harmful substances could seep into drinking water supplies.
Chemical Exposure and Air Pollution
Fracking fluid contains a mixture of toxic and carcinogenic substances, including benzene, toluene, and xylene, all of which have been linked to severe health risks, including cancer. Whilst oil and gas companies claim that these chemicals remain deep underground, there has been several leaks and spills reported, increasing concerns about exposure to local water sources, soil, and ecosystems.
Beyond the water, fracking sites also contribute to air pollution. The process of fracking has a direct release of methane, a greenhouse gas up to 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period, worsening climate change. The drilling operations also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) amongst a variety of other other pollutants, causing local air quality degradation and potentially causing long term respiratory issues for nearby communities.
Earthquake Risks (Induced Seismicity)
One of the most widely discussed concerns is fracking-induced earthquakes. In 2011, tremors measuring 1.5 to 2.2 magnitude were recorded near Blackpool, which was found to be directly linked to fracking operations. While these quakes were considered minor, other countries have reported fracking-related earthquakes exceeding 5.0 in magnitude, which is strong enough to cause structural damage to buildings.
Seismologists clarify that injecting high-pressure fluid into the ground can destabilise fault lines which triggers seismic activity. As a result, in 2019, the UK government temporarily banned fracking due to concerns over its geological impact. While some experts argue that stricter regulations could reduce the risk, others believe the potential for more extensive, unforeseen quakes makes fracking too hazardous in certain regions.
We all have to do what we can for the environment, we ourselves use FSC certified Oak for our Oak Fireplace Beams and plant a tree for every order to help offset the carbon footprint of our website.
What Are the Advantages of Fracking?
Fracking has transformed international energy markets, with the United States securing an estimated century-long supply of natural gas by tapping into previously dormant shale reserves. But what is fracking’s potential for the UK? That depends entirely on whether it is recommissioned and extended in the years ahead.
One of the major advantages of fracking from the UK’s point of view is that the we have substantial shale gas reserves, particularly in the North of England. If safely and efficiently extracted, these reserves would help reduce dependence on imported energy, providing energy security and economic stability.
Being in control of its own energy supply would allow the UK to strategise long-term. You only have to look at the continued trade disputes and commodity price changes going on around the world to see that being the one in control has never mattered more. With growing concerns over energy independence, especially amid recent geopolitical tensions, pro fracking activists tout fracking as a way to free yourself from the grip of Middle Eastern Oil and Russian Natural Gas so that you can stand tall on the world stage.
Additionally, fracking supporters argue that shale gas could serve as a transitional fuel—offering a medium term, lower-carbon alternative to coal whilst the UK continues its strong shift toward renewable energy sources. By reducing dependence on high-emission fossil fuels, fracking could potentially play a role in meeting energy demands while supporting a lower-carbon future.
Where is Fracking Taking Place in the UK?
In the UK, drilling firms have identified two key regions with significant shale gas potential:
- The Upper Bowland Shale (Pennine Basin) – Covering parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire, this region contains some of the UK’s largest shale gas reserves.
- The Weald Basin – Stretching across Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, this area is known for its Jurassic oil-bearing shales, which have been explored for both oil and gas extraction.
Despite the constant interest from energy corporations, fracking is currently banned in the UK. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reinstated the fracking ban during his tenure, following the huge public opposition and concerns over seismic activity. While the current Labour government has upheld this moratorium, they have not ruled out revisiting the issue in the future.
For now, this means no fracking is taking place anywhere in the UK. This may be music to the ear of environmentalists, but it is something that will stop the UK from securing energy independence anything like as quickly as the politicians have hoped. Of course, fracking is taking place in the US, but importing the gas doesn’t solve the UK’s problem of energy reliance. It simply changes who the government is buying it from in the first place.
On the global stage, fracking remains a key component of the worlds energy production. The United States, Canada, China, and Argentina are among the major countries actively using fracking to extract shale gas and oil, with the US leading the industry.
What’s Happening to the UK’s Fracking Sites?
Cuadrilla—the drilling company charged with fracking shale in the UK in the first instance—initially laid out a plan to decommission their Lancashire wells before 2024 following the government’s fracking moratorium. However, as of mid-2024, no significant decommissioning work has taken place; while I don’t want to stray too far into politics, the official stance remains that fracking is paused indefinitely, but energy advocates continue to push for its reassessment, particularly in light of energy security concerns and fluctuating global gas prices. It’s a reasonable assertion that the delay is due to lobbying and significant pressure on policymakers behind the scenes.
To determine the future of fracking in the UK, we must first answer a fundamental question: what is fracking’s relevance, and how does it fit into the country’s energy strategy? For now, Cuadrilla’s wells remain in limbo, neither active nor fully dismantled. Whether fracking sites in the UK will be permanently decommissioned or revived in the coming years will depend on political shifts, economic factors, and public opinion.
Which Countries Are Fracking in 2025?
As of 2025, fracking remains a strong energy extraction method, but only in a handful of countries. The leading nations currently using hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas and oil include:
1. United States 🇺🇸
The United States is the global leader in fracking, with sites operating in over 30 of the 50+ states, notably including Texas, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. US energy experts tout fracking as a significant role in achieving their recent energy independence. US officials claim domestic shale reserves could supply the country’s energy needs for the next century. Texas—already famous for its oil industry—remains one of the largest fracking hubs in the world.
2. Canada 🇨🇦
Fracking is used in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, where Canada has tapped into vast shale gas and oil reserves. The country has echoed the US in stating that fracking has helped secure its energy future, though environmental concerns continue to spark opposition in certain provinces. Quebec and New Brunswick, for example, have imposed restrictions or bans on fracking.
3. Argentina 🇦🇷
Argentina has one of the largest shale gas reserves outside of North America, primarily in the Vaca Muerta formation. However, the country is still in the early stages of large-scale fracking and faces economic and infrastructure challenges in scaling up production. If further developed, Argentina could become a significant global supplier of shale gas.
4. China 🇨🇳
China has been investing heavily in fracking technology, particularly in the Sichuan Basin, which holds large shale gas deposits. However, the Chinese government, as usual, remains secretive about its progress, and fracking in China faces significant geological challenges due to complex rock formations and water scarcity issues.
Where Else?
While other countries, such as the UK, France, and Germany, have explored fracking, many have banned or paused operations due to environmental concerns and public opposition. Some nations, including Mexico and South Africa, have considered expanding fracking projects but have yet to commit to large-scale operations.
For now, the US remains the dominant force in fracking, with Canada, Argentina, and China following behind—each with varying degrees of development and government support.
Final Thoughts
Fracking will continue in one way or another, particularly in the United States and China, where its widespread adoption has reshaped domestic energy policies. However, its future in the UK remains uncertain.
With the new Labour government still formulating its long-term energy strategy, the UK’s stance on fracking is uncertain. While Labour were the opposition, they previously ruled out an outright ban. But we know political priorities can shift once a party transitions from opposition to governance. Currently, the UK imports shale gas rather than produce it domestically, leaving the debate over energy independence versus environmental responsibility unresolved.
Regardless of the outcome, the global energy landscape is evolving rapidly, and the role of fracking—whether expanding or declining—will be a key factor in shaping how nations balance energy needs with environmental responsibility.
Now you know the answer to “what is fracking?” you can watch over the developments with a keen eye, or perhaps even join one of the Pro-Fracking or Anti-Fracking movements?
One thing is for sure: it will be interesting to watch the sector evolve in the months and years ahead.
