Energy term of the day: fracking

Hydraulic fracturing, often known as fracking, is a process by which natural gases are extracted from shale rocks beneath the Earth’s surface.

The process includes blasting rocks at high pressure with water and chemicals, which then fracture the rocks and release the natural gas contained within them.

Although fracking emits less carbon than conventional fossil fuels, it has been the topic of much controversy in the UK amid fears that it can cause Earth tremors, and some believe even earthquakes. There are also environmental concerns over the waste from fracking and fears that it could contaminate water supply and ground soil.

Wikipedia definition