Introduction
The worldwide rise in energy use has prompted a greater focus on finding alternative energy sources. One such source is shale gas, found in low-permeability rocks with large unconnected cavities (LSE, 2022). The United States has over 3,100 trillion cubic feet of shale gas and more than 550,000 wells, making it a valuable energy source (Heimer & Davidson, 2019). Shale gas production is a complex technological process with significant benefits and risks.
Some of the key advantages associated with shale gas production include the creation of economic well-being, energy independence from other sources, jobs, and an eco-friendly environment (IPAA, 2019). In contrast, there are dangers associated with shale gas production, especially during mining, such as earthquakes and the contamination of water supplies, air, and noise. Shale gas production creates energy independence and employment opportunities despite being the causative agent of various risks such as earthquakes and air and noise pollution; therefore, more research is needed to address its ecological well-being.
Debate on Shale Gas Extraction
Arguments in Favor
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in shale gas extraction as a potential replacement for more traditional energy sources like oil and natural gas. Oil and natural gas, two of the most common traditional energy sources, have been linked to pollution and international strife. In recent years, shale reserves have been discovered in many countries, notably the United States, increasing demand for the requisite technologies.
Natural gas production, projected to account for up to 30% of shale gas, is a significant driver of this demand (LSE, 2022). Some experts view natural gas as a bridge fuel that can help transition the world to a low-carbon economy. Similarly, the availability of large shale reserves has made shale gas extraction an attractive option for companies looking to diversify their energy portfolios (LSE, 2022; Heimer & Davidson, 2019). Shale gas extraction is anticipated to continue to play an essential role in addressing the expanding global energy demands due to technological advances and continuous research.
Modern drilling methods, including horizontal and vertical drilling and the inverted tree system, allow for efficient shale gas mining. The extraction process typically begins with vertical drilling, which involves creating a hole in the earth that extends vertically downwards to a depth of around 1.6-2.3 km (Heimer & Davidson, 2019). As soon as the vertical well is drilled, the next step is to dig a hole that runs horizontally from the straight well, providing further access to the shale-proven reserves.
On the other hand, the inverted tree system involves placing a series of valves and pipes in an inverted position, with the valves at the top and the pipes at the bottom (Heimer & Davidson, 2019). The extraction process takes 3-5 days and can vary depending on the specific geological characteristics (Heimer & Davidson, 2019; IPAA, 2019). Cement is also a significant component in shale production technology as it covers fractures in the well casing (IPAA, 2019). Exhausted wells can be used again for extracting oil and natural gas.
Increasing economic prosperity is a major benefit of shale gas extraction. This advantage is due to the fact that the shale gas industry contributes to the economy’s growth on a national and local scale. The shale gas industry has created over 2.1 million jobs in the United States alone (Heimer & Davidson, 2019). This employment event has a ripple effect on the economy, as these jobs have supported many other industries. Shale gas extraction can also create energy independence from other energy imports, which can help stabilize energy prices and reduce the risk of supply disruptions (Heimer & Davidson, 2019; IPAA, 2019).
Consequently, shale gas extraction is more environmentally friendly than classic energy sources. The IPAA (2019) notes that the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing has reduced the number of wells required to extract natural gas, which has reduced the overall impact on the environment. The extraction has also helped stabilize energy prices by offering a competitive advantage to other sources (IPAA, 2019). When there are more energy sources available, there is more competition in the marketplace, which can help to drive prices down.
Arguments Against
Shale gas mining has become a controversial issue due to the potential risks it poses to the environment and public health. Injecting high-pressure water and chemicals into underground rock formations can cause micro-seismic activity, leading to small earthquakes (LSE, 2022). In some cases, fracking has been linked to larger, more damaging earthquakes (IPAA, 2019).
Additionally, shale gas mining has been found to negatively affect drinking water and air quality. The process involves pumping millions of gallons of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground, which can contaminate nearby water sources. There have been numerous cases of methane and other contaminants seeping into groundwater and wells, making it unsafe to drink or use for agriculture (Heimer & Davidson, 2019).
Furthermore, the constant drilling and fracking can be incredibly loud, leading to noise pollution that can disturb wildlife and nearby communities (LSE, 2022). Methane gas released during the shale drilling and fracking process contributes to climate change (LSE, 2019). Benzene and other carcinogens are also released, and their human exposure has been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and other health issues.
Counterarguments
While there are certainly concerns about the risks associated with shale gas mining, it is important to consider the counterarguments to the evidence presented above. One key argument is that much of the evidence of harm associated with shale gas mining is based on questionable methodologies. Studies that claim to show negative impacts on drinking water, air quality, and seismic activity are often based on correlations rather than causation and can be biased by preconceived notions about the dangers of shale gas mining (IPAA, 2019).
Additionally, while the potential for earthquakes is certainly a concern, the probability of a damaging earthquake caused by shale gas mining is relatively low (IPAA, 2019). The industry has taken measures to mitigate the risk of seismic activity, including monitoring and regulating fluid injection rates. Concerns about pollution and damage to the environment can be addressed by improving regulations and industry standards (IPAA, 2019). The risks associated with shale gas mining are largely dependent on the quality of the controls and procedures put in place to manage them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shale gas extraction is a complex process with both significant benefits and risks. However, it can be considered to be an alternative option for energy production. While the technology has the potential to provide a new source of natural energy, it also poses threats to the environment and human health. The benefits of shale gas production include increased energy independence, job creation, and competition, leading to lower energy prices.
Nevertheless, it is important to carefully consider the risks and take appropriate questionable methodologies to mitigate them. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of hydraulic fracturing technology on the environment and the public. It is essential to strike a balance between energy production and environmental conservation to ensure a sustainable future for the planet.
References
Heimer, A.C., & Davidson, T. (2019) Fracking. In J. L. Longe (Ed.), The Gale encyclopedia of environmental health, 10(2), 401-404. Gale.
IPAA. (2019). Hydraulic fracturing. Independent Petroleum Association of America. Web.
LSE. (2022, February 11). What is shale gas, how is it extracted through fracking and what are fracking’s impacts? The London School of Economics and Political Science. Web.