Re: Running out of gas ...
 

PS you had an earthquake in your area recently I believe, are you worried about the fracking plans for Andalucia?

La Junta de Andalucía concede tres permisos a Oil & Gas Capital

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

Fracking is a relatively new technology, and yes, there have been a few instances where irresponsible fracking has caused underground movements and even a few ground level collapses.

Geologists have now learned a lot about the causes of it, and have defined specific techniques which effectively prevent it from happening. What I've read is that the costs of responsibly and safely fracking are only fractionally more than doing it irresponsibly.

I reckon if it's possible to mandate safe procedures and effectively oversee these operations, these problems may very well be a thing of the past.
The question is whether effective oversight will ever happen.

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

No - not really, as long as they do it right. There's risk in everything.

Spain needs all the help it can get right now so frack away as far as I'm concerned and I also think they should drill off the coast as well which is another thing they are talking about.

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

http://www.economist.com/blogs/schum...chs-bankruptcy

Pity.

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

and such matters give the industry a bad name, especially when the payback can be 20-25 years - for kit that is now out of warranty due to company failure and no way of getting spare parts so whole units will require replacement

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

You are so sensible and reasonable, Ami ... sigh ... You've almost turned me into a fracking fan.

I suppose it can't be any worse than coal mines.

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

As I mentioned above there's risk in everything. I wonder how many thousands have been killed in mining disasters over the years? Still - that doesn't justify any risk taking in fracking. Just do it right.:thumbup:

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

Let's hope they do! :fingerscrossed:

It does amuse me though that the political groups who are desperately campaigning to keep the mines open in Asturias are campaigning equally desperately to prevent the fracking - even though, as you say, mining is one of the most dangerous ways of getting fuel.

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

Thanks, but I'm not sure if that's meant to be tongue-in cheek or not. If not, no doubt you'll find a few who might disagree with you :eek:

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

No, it's not tongue in cheek! You are a very persuasive writer. always weighing both sides and even though I don't always agree with your conclusions you always makes me think hard.

Re: Running out of gas ...
 

Wow! You might not take me seriously, but I am truly honoured to hear that.

I'll let you in on a little secret: I don't always agree with all my conclusions, but I think more people should better think through theirs.

Not thinking through things has a lot to do with our current condition. More of it won't make it better.

I am truly honoured and humbled that you recognise that.

Thank you. Respectfully.