ReFINEIssue 1 | Autum 2014

What isReFINE?

“If the main talking point of the global energy sector issummed up in one word, it’s ‘fracking’. Hydraulicfracturing, to give it its proper name, is one of the mostcontentious topics of recent years, and independentresearch into its risks and benefits is absolutely vital. TheReFINE project is providing an agnostic appraisal of shalegas, shale oil, and fracking, and in the short time since itsinception has already made significant contributions tothe understanding of the subject amongst the public,governments, NGOs and even the industry itself.

Led by Durham and Newcastle universities, the ReFINEproject brings together experts on fracking from Europeand the USA, and is supported by a wide array of highlyrespected organizations and institutions. ReFINE is alsounique in having an Independent Science Board to ensurethere is no industry bias to any of the research projects.

As the first new fossil fuel of the internet age, shale gasis a minefield of misinformation, making it all the moreimportant for peer-reviewed research to be communicatedclearly to all stakeholders, and for findings to be madepublically available. By writing short, accessiblesummaries – ‘research briefs’ – of all its research papers,and translating them into more than 13 differentlanguages, the ReFINE project is delivering world-classresearch findings that are accessible globally.

Informed decisions on the true risks of fracking can onlybe made using independent scientific research carriedout by academic experts. We need facts before fracks,and the ReFINE project aims to lead the world indelivering this crucial information.”

Professor Richard Davies - ReFINE project leader

“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.”

Foreword

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Why ReFINEis neededReFINE was formed after trans-European discussions betweenscientists, policy-makers and the petroleum industry, which identifiedthe need for unbiased research into shale gas exploitation, and waslaunched in autumn 2013. ReFINE is leading the way in Europe,bringing together a diverse range of academics from prestigiousinstitutions in research on risk associated with fracking. It hasbecome a high-profile and well-respected project, providingscientists, policy makers, the media and the public withtrustworthy information on this controversial subject.

What isReFINE?

ReFINE is an independentresearch consortium led byDurham and NewcastleUniversities, researching theissue of shale gas and oilexploitation using fracking,and the potential risks.

The consortium, led by ProfessorRichard Davies of NewcastleUniversity and Professor Fred Worrallat Durham University, in conjunctionwith colleagues at Keele, Cambridge,Hull and Strathclyde universities,adheres to strict impartiality withresearch topics prioritised by anIndependent Science Board (ISB).

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The consortium is funded by theUK’s Natural EnvironmentResearch Council, and the energycompanies Shell and Chevron.

The UK Government Department for Energy& Climate Change, the Environment Agency,the European Commission Joint ResearchCentre and the British Geological Surveyparticipate in an advisory-stakeholdercapacity. ReFINE also has the support oforganisations such as the Geological Societyof London, the Bulgarian Geological Societyand the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Professor Zoe Shipton(left) of the Universityof Strathclyde hasrecently joined theReFINE research team.

Professor Peter Styles(right), KeeleUniversity, leadsseveral ReFINEprojects on seismicityand fractures.

GovernanceAs part of its commitment to ensuring independentresearch, ReFINE has an Independent Science Board (ISB).This board, comprised of impartial scientific experts fromacross Europe and the United States, directs and overseesthe research activities carried out by the consortium.Chaired by Professor John Loughhead, Executive Directorthe UK Energy Research Centre, the ISB ensures thatReFINE research is accurate, relevant to the public interest,and free from any industry bias. Members of the ISB are notdirectly involved in research and meet several times eachyear to review any material published by the workgroupsand to determine the focus of future research.

Funding

“It is vital that allresearch undertaken

by the ReFINE team is independent

and impartial.”

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ReFINE researchPublished papers:

1. April 2012: Hydraulic fractures: How far can they go?

2. April 2013: Induced seismicity and hydraulicfracturing for the recovery of hydrocarbons

3. March 2014: The integrity of oil and gas wells:Implications for shale and unconventionalresource exploitation

4. June 2014: The flux of radionuclides in flowback fluidfrom shale gas exploitation

Framing fracking (Study led by Laurence Williams,Durham University). Project has examined differentgroups’ responses to the prospect of fracking for shalegas taking place in the UK.

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

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

Fracking, fault movement, and induced seismicity in the UK(Project led by Prof. Gillian Foulger, Durham University).What industries and activities have caused manmadeearthquakes in Britain? Where are they focussed? And how would fracking fit into this story?

Methane emissions and well integrity (Project led byProf. Fred Worrall, Durham University). Study ismeasuring methane emissions associated withabandoned oil and gas wells in the UK. Are they leaking?

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

Where does the fracking energy go? (Project led by Prof.Peter Styles, Keele University). Of the energy used tofrack shales, where does it go, and what does it do?

Induced fracture distance (Study led by Prof. PeterStyles, Keele University). How far laterally can hydraulicfractures propagate, and how do they interact withnatural fractures? What impact might this have oninduced seismicity?

Current research

January 2013Richard Davies invited to write New Statesman articlewww.newstatesman.com/politics/2013/01/shale-gas-uk-its-not-all-about-science, and recommends minimum600m vertical safe separation distance between drinkingwater aquifer and shales being hydraulically fractured.

April 2013Publication of induced seismicity paper attracts presscoverage, but also leads to opposition group describingReFINE researchers as ‘frackademics’!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ReFINE impact

“If ReFINE can provideimpartial information...it

will have a part to play ineducating the public.”

Tony Bosworth - Friends of the Earth

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ReFINE contactsProject leader: Professor Richard Davies, Newcastle UniversityWater & Emissions leader: Professor Fred Worrall, Durham UniversityPostdoctoral researcher: Dr Liam Herringshaw, Durham UniversityReFINE Co-ordinator: Mr Sam Almond, Durham UniversityTelephone: +44 (0)191 208 6058Email: refine.info@durham.ac.ukWebsite: www.refine.org.uk

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