Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, believes that Scottish energy company Wood Group’s acquisition of US shale gas company Elkhorn Holdings Inc. could be good news for a domestic shale gas industry in Scotland.
Oil and gas services company Wood Group said it acquired Elkhorn, which last year generated sales of $250 million from its pipeline and facility maintenance services in the Niobrara, Permian, Marcellus and Utica shale regions of the United States.
Additionally Water UK, which represents Britain’s public and private water and wastewater suppliers, says a report will be released “imminently” that concludes the risks from shale gas drilling can be mitigated.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Wood Group has a wealth of knowledge in the safe extraction of oil and gas in the UK and their acquisition of an American specialist in shale gas will only further their expertise in this area.
“A transfer of knowledge between the Wood Group’s operations in the UK and the States could help kick-start shale gas extraction in Scotland, which will be vital in securing a future for indigenous refining and energy dependent industries.
Finally I welcome Water UK’s independent report into the consequences of fracking as there appears to be a growing consensus of industry leaders that believe, where properly regulated, fracking poses no danger to public health.”