“Frackin’-hell!” – in Surrey?
Epsom and Ewell has so far escaped the grant of licences for shale-gas exploration. Other Boroughs in Surrey are targeted. 25th September Business and Energy Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg announced: “In light of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of energy, strengthening our energy security is an absolute priority, and – as the Prime Minister said – we are going to ensure the UK is a net energy exporter by 2040. To get there we will need to explore all avenues available to us through solar, wind, oil and gas production – so it’s right that we’ve lifted the pause to realise any potential sources of domestic gas.” Including through new oil and gas licences and shale gas extraction.
Friends of the Earth has provided a map and statistics showing the areas and licences for shale-gas exploration in Surrey.
| Constituency | Number of licences | Licences total area (sq m) | Proportion of constituency under licence |
| Guildford | 2 | 54,008,711 | 28.6% |
| East Surrey | 5 | 122,524,280 | 47.2% |
| Mole Valley | 3 | 59,441,785 | 16.1% |
| South West Surrey | 3 | 94,052,391 | 36.7% |
| Reigate | 3 | 35,937,442 | 32.1% |
Between now and 2040 will Epsom and Ewell’s natural resources have to play their part in energy self-sufficiency?
Let us know your views.
