Blog Post #4 - Will Cuadrilla's shale gas discovery change UK energy forever?

The article I read discussed a find of a large amount of shale oil in Blackpool, UK. It is not yet determined what will be done with the oil. The article states that gas powered stations are the governments “get out free card” due to their price and time quick time to build, so that presents a possibility. It is said that the reserve found measures 200 trillion cubic feet, which would put Blackpool in the center of the global fuel market. First of all, I would like to know if the exploration company Cuadrilla’s report really is accurate.

This article really hit close to home with me since fuel is something I use regularly. An interesting point it made was that if the price of fuel is down, it means more gas powered stations, while if the price is higher, it means more nuclear and renewable sources. This presents something I do not believe I had thought about before. I love to see the price of gas going down, but could it be worse for the environment with this idea considered? This presents a problem because gas prices are something that affect almost everyone in the United States and everywhere else, and is one of the main things that my money ends up going into. If gas was lower I would be much better off financially. I would be able to drive much more than I currently do without worrying so much about the cost and leaving me with empty pockets. It is very hard to say what the best solution is here. The closest thing I can think of to a solution, would be to slow down or limit the growing of gas powered stations, or their emissions if possible, and allow the fuel prices to drop for the sake of the individual. I do not want to see the prices rise any more because it presents a great struggle for many people including myself. It is hard to say what will lead to the greater good in this case. This is a global issue because gas is used nearly everywhere and this discovery could have dramatic effects on the environment and the economy.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2011/sep/23/cuadrilla-shale-gas-uk-energy