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Shale Gas and the Future of Green Technology
What is Shale Gas?
It seems that every Green blog you read these days has something to say about shale gas. Some say good things, some bad, but what exactly is shale gas?
Shale gas is a type of natural gas which comes from shale rock, a fine-grained sedimentary rock. The extraction techniques are the same used to extract gas from traditional sources such as limestone and sandstone. It has been possible to obtain hydrocarbons from shale gas for some time, however, it is only recently that advancements in technology have made it “economically viable” to do so. This recent development is the reason energy suppliers and green activists have been seriously discussing the potential of using shale gas to power the globe.
Is Shale Gas a Green Energy of the Future?
Shale gas has been labeled a greener energy of the future by many energy providers as they claim it can be burnt to create electricity with only half the carbon dioxide emissions as traditional fossil fuels. Although this is a step in the right direction for cutting carbon emissions, shale gas still has a shelf life and is not a renewable energy source. Many also say that any money put into shale gas, will be money that is not going towards building greener, renewable technologies such as solar energy and micro generation.
Typically, it is the energy industry providers that are praising the benefits of developing the shale gas industry, who would see rapid return on their investment. Some say there is enough natural shale gas available to power the entire planet for about 200 years. This energy would reduce carbon emissions and also take pressure of the energy providers who say shale gas could help stabilise the energy market and improve price volatility. With some 82% of the British population expressing concerns that they cannot afford home energy and an ever increasing number of British families living in fuel poverty, the short term benefits will seem attractive to many, even if only for the short term.
Shale Gas and the Green Deal
The Green Deal will fund home generation technology which will help homeowners create their own renewable energy. This renewable technology has progressed a great deal over recent years but if we are to create a future where home generation is the norm, we need to continue investing in and developing the technology. If the government and energy industry moves towards shale gas, many fear there will be a lot less money to put towards micro generation technology and renewable energy.
Whether or not we move towards shale gas or not, it is imperative that we do not lose site of our long term renewable energy goals and continue to invest in green technology.
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