Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, generates great controversy wherever it is being practiced and is vigorously opposed wherever it isn’t. Nonetheless, it is the basis for a booming industry that is not likely to disappear any time soon. It is encouraging that there are a number of efforts underway to make fracking cleaner, greener, and safer.
Much of the focus on the effects of fracking relates to the water that is pumped into the ground and where that water ends up. One new approach is from a company called GasFrac which has replaced water entirely with a gelled fluid containing propane. Far less of it is needed than water to perform fracking and it is easier to remove. Another method is to use recycled “grey” water or brine rather than fresh water, thereby lowering the amount of clean water needed for the process.
One of the biggest concerns about fracking is the leakage of methane gas into the atmosphere during the process. Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas and recent studies have shown that methane leakage is much higher than previously thought. But there are ways to reduce the leakage dramatically. New EPA regulations will provide incentives for the industry to clean up its act. Public and political pressure is providing additional motivation.
These technologies are not free. Making fracking cleaner and greener comes at a cost. However, it is a cost that the industry needs to learn to pay if fracking is to provide plentiful energy without harming the environment.
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Green Fracking? 5 Technologies for Cleaner Shale Energy
Photo, taken July 6, 2011, courtesy of Gerry Dincher via Flickr.
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Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.