Engineering News reports that the first phase of shale gas exploration has begun in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was launched by the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT). This despite the concerns and opposition of many citizens and experts.
Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) involves injecting millions of litres of water, chemicals and sand into Mother Earth at high pressure to free pockets of natural gas. Find out more, including the documented environmental risk, at www.treasurethekaroo.co.za . [Yes, the term "Mother Earth" is emotive, and so you know where this writer stands on the issue.]
On the same day, for the record, a solar company CEO speaking about fracking says: " ... the long-term repercussions on the economy as well as the effect on the environment and public health, may be staggering, not to mention the potential clean-up costs that will fall on taxpayers for decades to come".
Shale gas is one of the sources of energy on which you will find notes in the Energy chapter of The Agri Handbook. Solar and other renewable energy sources are looked at in a dedicated Renewable energy chapter.
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