Events & Courses

Speaker: Dr Liam Herringshaw (ReFINE, Durham University)

If the main talking point of UK energy of the last couple of years is summed up in one word, it’s probably ‘fracking’. Shale gas has gone from being practically unheard of in Britain five years ago, to being almost ubiquitously discussed now. Yet having suddenly risen to prominence, the first new fossil fuel of the internet age is a minefield of misinformation.

Led by Durham and Newcastle universities, the ReFINE (Researching Fracking In Europe) project is trying to add scientific balance to this heated debate. Bringing together international academics to investigate key areas of public concern, ReFINE aims to provide an agnostic appraisal of the real risks and potential of shale gas and shale oil in Europe.

In this talk, ReFINE researcher Dr Liam Herringshaw will discuss the ReFINE project, the science and the controversies of fracking in Europe, and what we really know about UK shales.

ReFINE is an independent research consortium led jointly by Newcastle University and Durham Energy Institute. The consortium focuses on researching the issue of shale gas and oil exploitation using fracking methods and its potential risks. Launched in 2013, ReFINE was formed after trans-European discussions between scientists, policy-makers and the petroleum industry during 2011-2012 identified the need for unbiased research into shale gas exploitation.

The consortium is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, Shell and Chevron with the Environment Agency, DECC, the European Commission Joint Research Centre and the British Geological Survey participating in an advisory-stakeholder capacity. The consortium has the support of organisations such as the Geological Society of London, the Bulgarian Geological Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Time

Free refreshments available from 6.30pm, Lecture starts at 7.00pm

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