The energy department has dismissed a report that “60% of the UK countryside could be exploited” for fracking, the controversial gas extraction method.
The Independent reported that more than 32,000 square miles could be affected, notably in south, north-west and north-east England and central Scotland.
It said it based this on official maps, but the department called the 60% figure “nonsense”.
Meanwhile, an anti-fracking protest will be held in London later.
The process of fracking involves pumping water and chemicals into shale rock at high pressure to extract gas.
It was temporarily banned after it was blamed for two earthquakes in Lancashire in 2011, but according to the Independent, Energy Secretary Ed Davey will soon end the moratorium.
Responding to the Independent’s article, a department spokesman said: “There is a big difference between the amount of shale gas that might exist and what can be technically and commercially extracted.
“It is too early to assess the potential for shale gas but the suggestion more than 60% of the UK countryside could be exploited is nonsense.
“We have commissioned the British Geological Survey to do an assessment of the UK’s shale gas resources, which will report its findings next year.”
Fake rig
Later in London, lobby group Campaign Against Climate Change will hold a protest against fracking in the UK.
Protesters are expected to attempt to build an imitation “fracking rig” outside Parliament, and also a mock pipeline from the Canadian High Commission to the US embassy as a sign of their “outrage at the continued exploitation of high-carbon tar sands.”
The government is currently considering a report by an independent panel of experts published in April on the future of fracking in the UK.
The report recommended fracking should continue, but under stricter regulations.
Fracking extent report dismissed http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60085000/jpg/_60085823_60085822.jpg
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