UK Explorer Updates on Bowland, Responds to Climate Committee

British onshore hydrocarbon producer IGas says it will drill more wells this year in its programme to appraise potential in the Bowland Shale, located in north-west England.

IGas has conducted an extensive evaluation programme of the shale potential in its north-west licences, the company said in a statement.

A positive outcome of the work planned will be an updated risked estimate of total gas in place (GIIP) across the area, IGas said.

Andrew Austin, IGas Energy chief executive, welcomed this week's Energy and Climate Change Committee Report: 'The Impact of Shale Gas on Energy Markets', saying it acknowledged "the substantial benefits to the UK that shale gas can offer".

"Natural gas from shale has the potential to transform the UK's energy market and boost the economy, create thousands of jobs, generate significant tax revenues and reduce our reliance on imported gas," he said.

"We note the Committee is keen to see exploration proceed quickly in order to validate current estimates and establish the true potential of shale gas in the UK. We continue to inform and engage with local communities and are working with the Government to establish how those communities can receive and share in the benefits that shale gas could bring."