Refine brochure final

ReFINE Issue 1 | Autum 2014

What is ReFINE?

Foreword “The ReFINE project brings together experts on fracking from Europe and the USA, and is supported by a wide array of highly respected organizations and institutions.”

“If the main talking point of the global energy sector is summed up in one word, it’s ‘fracking’. Hydraulic fracturing, to give it its proper name, is one of the most contentious topics of recent years, and independent research into its risks and benefits is absolutely vital. The ReFINE project is providing an agnostic appraisal of shale gas, shale oil, and fracking, and in the short time since its inception has already made significant contributions to the understanding of the subject amongst the public, governments, NGOs and even the industry itself.

As the first new fossil fuel of the internet age, shale gas is a minefield of misinformation, making it all the more important for peer-reviewed research to be communicated clearly to all stakeholders, and for findings to be made publically available. By writing short, accessible summaries – ‘research briefs’ – of all its research papers, and translating them into more than 13 different languages, the ReFINE project is delivering world-class research findings that are accessible globally.

Informed decisions on the true risks of fracking can only be made using independent scientific research carried out by academic experts. We need facts before fracks, and the ReFINE project aims to lead the world in delivering this crucial information.”

Led by Durham and Newcastle universities, the ReFINE project brings together experts on fracking from Europe and the USA, and is supported by a wide array of highly respected organizations and institutions. ReFINE is also unique in having an Independent Science Board to ensure there is no industry bias to any of the research projects.

Professor Richard Davies - ReFINE project leader

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What is ReFINE? ReFINE is an independent research consortium led by Durham and Newcastle Universities, researching the issue of shale gas and oil exploitation using fracking, and the potential risks.

The consortium, led by Professor Richard Davies of Newcastle University and Professor Fred Worrall at Durham University, in conjunction with colleagues at Keele, Cambridge, Hull and Strathclyde universities, adheres to strict impartiality with research topics prioritised by an Independent Science Board (ISB).

Why ReFINE is needed ReFINE was formed after trans-European discussions between scientists, policy-makers and the petroleum industry, which identified the need for unbiased research into shale gas exploitation, and was launched in autumn 2013. ReFINE is leading the way in Europe, bringing together a diverse range of academics from prestigious institutions in research on risk associated with fracking. It has become a high-profile and well-respected project, providing scientists, policy makers, the media and the public with trustworthy information on this controversial subject.

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Funding The consortium is funded by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council, and the energy companies Shell and Chevron.

The UK Government Department for Energy & Climate Change, the Environment Agency, the European Commission Joint Research Centre and the British Geological Survey participate in an advisory-stakeholder capacity. ReFINE also has the support of organisations such as the Geological Society of London, the Bulgarian Geological Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Governance

“It is vital that all research undertaken by the ReFINE team is independent and impartial.”

As part of its commitment to ensuring independent research, ReFINE has an Independent Science Board (ISB).

This board, comprised of impartial scientific experts from across Europe and the United States, directs and oversees the research activities carried out by the consortium.

Chaired by Professor John Loughhead, Executive Director the UK Energy Research Centre, the ISB ensures that ReFINE research is accurate, relevant to the public interest, and free from any industry bias. Members of the ISB are not directly involved in research and meet several times each year to review any material published by the workgroups and to determine the focus of future research.

Professor Zoe Shipton (left) of the University of Strathclyde has recently joined the ReFINE research team.

Professor Peter Styles (right), Keele University, leads several ReFINE projects on seismicity and fractures.

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ReFINE research Published papers: 1. April 2012: Hydraulic fractures: How far can they go?

2. April 2013: Induced seismicity and hydraulic fracturing for the recovery of hydrocarbons 3. March 2014: The integrity of oil and gas wells: Implications for shale and unconventional resource exploitation 4. June 2014: The flux of radionuclides in flowback fluid from shale gas exploitation

Current research Framing fracking (Study led by Laurence Williams, Durham University). Project has examined different groups’ responses to the prospect of fracking for shale gas taking place in the UK.

Methane emissions and well integrity (Project led by Prof. Fred Worrall, Durham University). Study is measuring methane emissions associated with abandoned oil and gas wells in the UK. Are they leaking?

Fracking subsidence (Studies led by Dr Will Coombs, Durham University). Two papers reviewing and modelling whether the fracking of shales could lead to land subsidence.

Public perception of shale gas in Europe (Study led by Dr David Reiner, Cambridge University). Focus groups and citizen juries will be used in the UK, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania to evaluate how communities perceive fracking.

Fracking traffic (Project led by Dr Neil Thorpe, Newcastle University). This research is investigating the environmental impacts and issues associated with the increase in traffic during shale gas operations.

Where does the fracking energy go? (Project led by Prof.

Peter Styles, Keele University). Of the energy used to frack shales, where does it go, and what does it do?

Fracking, fault movement, and induced seismicity in the UK (Project led by Prof. Gillian Foulger, Durham University).

What industries and activities have caused manmade earthquakes in Britain? Where are they focussed?

And how would fracking fit into this story?

Induced fracture distance (Study led by Prof. Peter Styles, Keele University). How far laterally can hydraulic fractures propagate, and how do they interact with natural fractures? What impact might this have on induced seismicity?

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January 2013 Richard Davies invited to write New Statesman article www.newstatesman.com/politics/2013/01/shale-gas-ukits-not-all-about-science, and recommends minimum 600m vertical safe separation distance between drinking water aquifer and shales being hydraulically fractured.

April 2013 Publication of induced seismicity paper attracts press coverage, but also leads to opposition group describing ReFINE researchers as ‘frackademics’!

October 2013 As part of Durham University’s ‘Earth Science into Society’ course, group of 4th year Earth Science undergraduates begin project with RAFF (Residents Action on Fylde Fracking).

November 2013 ReFINE officially launched at the Geological Society of London in November 2013. The event featured a panel-led discussion on ‘How to get more evidence into the European debate on fracking?’ The panel featured participants from both the ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ side of fracking, with representatives from academia, industry, environmental groups and the media.

January 2014 ITV and Channel 4 interview ReFINE project leader Professor Richard Davies on ‘The Facts About Fracking’

March 2014 ReFINE study of long-term integrity of shale gas wells published, generating news coverage in many outlets, including Daily Telegraph, Guardian and BBC.

April 2014 Professor Richard Davies invited to speak at Parliamentary & Scientific Committee meeting, and to give prestigious Geological Society of London lectures.

June 2014 ReFINE research on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), led by Professor Fred Worrall, published showing fracking would increase water radioactivity but not pose threat to human health.

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ReFINE impact

“If ReFINE can provide impartial information...it will have a part to play in educating the public.”

Tony Bosworth - Friends of the Earth

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ReFINE contacts

HPM/09/14/288

Project leader: Water & Emissions leader: Postdoctoral researcher: ReFINE Co-ordinator: Telephone: Email: Website:

Professor Richard Davies, Newcastle University Professor Fred Worrall, Durham University Dr Liam Herringshaw, Durham University Mr Sam Almond, Durham University +44 (0)191 208 6058 refine.info@durham.ac.uk www.refine.org.uk