Osborne says 'fracking is clean energy'

George Osborne, chancellor of the exchequer, has voiced his support of the UK's drive to extract shale gas through the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Speaking in Hong Kong, he said that fracking could help the country to curb its carbon emissions in the cheapest way possible, which means that fracking could be highly beneficial.

Fracking is the process used to extract natural shale gas from rock formations deep in the earth. It involves blasting a mixture of sand, water and chemicals at rock formations in order to fracture them to release the gas. The technique has created a natural gas boom in the US, helping to reduce emissions and provide cheap energy.

However, the process of fracking has been met with opposition from many environmental groups in the UK, as fears over air and water pollution and possible earthquakes have been raised. While these claims have not been proven to be true, fracking remains a controversial energy method.

The chancellor, however, has said that fracking could be hugely beneficial in mitigating manmade climate change. He said that it is a form of green energy that should be utilised in order to benefit the country and the rest of the world when it comes to global warming.

“I am someone who believes climate change is happening, and caused by human beings. We should do all we can to prevent it and if not, mitigate it, for example, by building flood defences."

“The UK has been one of the outstanding leaders in this space - both in terms of our international global diplomacy, but also what we have done at home to create a proper market where people invest in green energy," he said.

Mr Osborne also showed his support for the UK's investment in nuclear power, stating that the "right mix" is needed to provide cheap and green energy while also helping to reduce the effects of climate change. He said that by definition, nuclear power is a clean source of energy that should be used to the country's advantage.