“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.
![](https://epsomandewelltimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Surrey-Fracking-map.png)
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.