Fracking tests ‘extremely encouraging’

Two firms seeking to begin fracking in Ireland to release natural gas trapped in shale have confirmed initial positive results.

UK-based energy firm, Enegi Oil, said that analysis from field studies examining the fracking or ‘hydraulic fracturing’ potential for shale gas in the Clare basin is “extremely encouraging.”

Earlier this year, Tamboran Resources confirmed the existence of a “substantial natural gas field” of 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in north Leitrim that could be worth $55bn (€43bn).

Tamboran and Enegi hold two of three State licences awarded to examine fracking potential here.

Enegi Oil’s licence covers 495sq km (122,317 acres) covering much of west Clare, including the entire Loop Head peninsula.

Already, Enegi’s plans have run into local opposition through the setting of a local group, Clare Fracking Concerned. Members of Clare County Council also outlined their opposition.

In an update on its work, Enegi stated: “The results of sample analysis undertaken to date have been extremely encouraging, indicating a higher prospectivity than was previously anticipated.”

It added that “the total organic carbon analysis has confirmed that the shale is a rich source rock containing an abundance of preserved organic matter.”

Enegi also stated that a separate analysis “indicates that the shale is of lower maturity than previously recorded in literature, which enhances the potential for gas preservation at depth in the basin.”

Enegi chief executive, Alan Minty said: “The latest results strengthen our belief in the potential of the Clare Basin.”

Enegi has engaged Fugro Robertson “to undertake further testing in order to gain a fuller understanding of the prospectivity of the region. Fugro will also prepare an independent estimate of the in-place resources within the acreage covered by the option.”

Mr Minty said: “We look forward to the results from Fugro, which will not only shape our plans for the area, but also give us an indication of the magnitude of resources that we could potentially book in future.”

The studies and analysis by Fugro will be summarised in a report to be lodged with the Department of Energy by Nov 30.

Last night, spokeswoman for Clare Fracking Concerned, Roisín Ní Ghairbhith, said the people of Clare will not stand passively by and will oppose Enegi’s plans.

“I feel, as do thousands of others, that it is my personal responsibility and duty to Clare and the rest of Ireland to stand up and protect it from any and all fracking.”