UK shale drillers hope for rebirth
The new administration’s lifting of a fracking moratorium is cause for renewed optimism
UK chemicals firm Ineos has repeated its offer to drill a test shale gas well after the country’s new prime minister, Liz Truss, removed a fracking ban. Independent producer Igas also welcomed the move as the UK shale industry seeks revitalisation. Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe first made the test well offer in a national newspaper op-ed in April. “Shale has helped transform the energy landscape and the local communities in the US, [which] is well protected against the energy crisis as it is making the most of its natural resources. It can do the same here in the UK,” says Ineos director Tom Crotty. “We have promised to invest the first 6pc of the value of the gas back into the local communit
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal






