AEA leads the debate on shale gas extraction in the UK

Since these articles were published, AEA Technology plc’s business, operating assets and employees were acquired on the 8 November 2012 by Ricardo plc and transferred to a new subsidiary, Ricardo-AEA Ltd. All employees were transferred to Ricardo-AEA Ltd as part of the acquisition and remain available for the execution of all projects via the new company, as are the entire capability and resources previously represented by AEA Technology plc. All individuals remained at previous locations with all offices being retained.

AEA’s Mark Broomfield and Betsy Bicknell will be presenting at SMi Group’s third Shale Gas Environmental Summit, 29-30 October 2012, London. They join the debate to bring insights into the latest research, risks and regulatory challenges in Europe, together with lessons learned from North American shale gas projects.

It has been predicted that UK offshore reserves of shale gas could exceed one thousand trillion cubic feet, putting the UK in the same realm as other countries with leading shale gas potential worldwide like China, the United States and Argentina. However, debate on the impacts of hydraulic fracturing still rages on with critics alleging that the environmental risks posed are too great. Opposition groups have cited cases of groundwater pollution and small earth tremors as arguments against shale gas extraction.

Against this backdrop, AEA joins the next session of the Shale Gas Environmental Summit. Mark Broomfield will present AEA’s research into methane control, environmental risks and regulatory challenges which will result from shale gas exploration and extraction in Europe. He will be joined by Betsy Bicknell from AEA’s North American subsidiary Eastern Research Group (ERG). ERG is a leading consultant to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Betsy, a senior environmental engineer, will present the latest developments in the re-use of produced water in the Marcellus Shale.

Robert Bell, Director AEA Europe, said:

“AEA is at the forefront of dealing with regulatory issues posed by shale gas development in the US, the UK and throughout Europe. We are very pleased to support the Shale Gas Environmental Summit at this critical time in the industry’s development in Europe.”

SMi Group’s third Shale Gas Environmental Summit will present a balanced view of the Shale Gas debate, focussing on science, facts, and case studies. Ricardo-AEA joins Total, Ground-Gas Solutions, CNG Services Ltd, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, MND a.s., WWF-UK, and RSPB.

For more information and to register, visit SMi Group's website.

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