Keep up to date with July 2022’s news with our digest of daily updated headlines about the business, regulation and campaigns around UK fracking, shale, and onshore oil and gas.

Click here for headlines from previous months. Please let us know if we’ve missed something important  contact@DrillOrDrop.com

Sunday 31 July 2022

Climate activists trespass in Aberdeen harbour over threat to local park. DrillOrDrop report on protest by Climate Camp Scotland

Friday 29 July 2022

Local support for fracking – how would you know? The Conservative leadership contenders back fracking with local support but neither have explained how this would be measured or proved – DrillOrDrop report

Thursday 28 July 2022

Council clears way for new application at Cuadrilla’s fracking site – but Horse Hill faces environmental hurdle. DrillOrDrop report on applications for Preston New Road and UKOG’s oil site in Surrey.

Record profit announcements by Shell and Centrica show the energy system is broken, climate campaigners said today. DrillOrDrop report

Latest UK onshore oil production data (April 2022) shows daily production at a 12 month low, despite high prices. DrillOrDrop report

Tory MPs fear Liz Truss would give green light to deregulated fracking. Inews reports that Conservative opponents to shale gas exploration point to prominent supporters of fracking on Truss campaign.

Exclusive: Industry body urges Tory leadership contenders to back fracking. CityAm reports that UKOOG has written to both candidates urging them to lift the fracking moratorium in England and greenlight production of shale gas.

Wednesday 27 July 2022

Rishi Sunak joins Liz Truss in backing fracking, but with local support. DrillOrDrop report on comments in the Sun/TalkTV leadership debate.

UKOG placing. UK Oil & Gas plc announces it has raised £1.25m in a shares placing The company says the funds will be used for working capital and to help delivery of its work programme, particularly in Turkey.

Tuesday 26 July 2022

Shell’s Jackdaw gasfield and Ineos plastics project face legal challenges. DrillOrDrop report

Shell greenlights investment in major gas field in the UK North Sea. Energy Live reports on Shell’s decision on the Jackdaw field.

The next prime minister must get serious about tackling climate change. Two co-executive directors of Friends of the Earth, writing in Politics Home, argue that neither of the Conservative leadership candidates have polices on climate change that come anywhere close to what’s needed.

Kwarteng meeting with North Sea oil firms on windfall tax. Energy Voice reports that the business secretary is to meet major oil companies.

UJO alliance with Research Tree. Union Jack Oil announces an alliance with Research Tree which provides access to investment research.

UJO appoints Shore Capital as joint broker. Details

Craig Mackinlay MP question on publication on fracking review. Energy minister, Greg Hands, replies the scientific review, by the British Geological Survey, will be published “in due course”. Link

Steve Baker MP asks government to explore alternatives to fracking to extract shale gas. Greg Hands replies that the moratorium on fracking applies only to associated hydraulic fracturing which injects more than 10,000 cubic metres of fluid in total or more than 1,000 cubic meters of fluid per stage. Link

Monday 25 July 2022

“In due course” – latest ministerial comment on government fracking review. DrillOrDrop report on parliamentary answers about the BGS review on fracking sciene

Thursday 21 July 2022

Good Law Project backs community challenge to government over gas drilling near Surrey village. DrillOrDrop report

Wellcome Trust sells stakes in large oil and mining companies. The Guardian reports that one of UK’s biggest funders of scientific research will no longer profit from businesses such as BP and Shell.

UJO net revenues from Wressle reach US$8,000,000. Union Jack Oil announces it has net revenues from Wressle oil in Lincolnshire at US$8m. The company says its cash balances now stand at $9.15m.

Wednesday 20 July 2022

UKOG to subcontract gas exploration at Loxley near Dunsfold in Surrey. DrillOrDrop report

Business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, pulls out of environmental audit committee hearing on energy transition. DrillOrDrop report

Minister still reviewing West Newton-a production plans. DrillOrDrop report

East Sussex County Council votes against fossil fuel divestment. Members of East Sussex County Council pensions committee voted against a motion to disinvest from fossil fuels and invest the money in renewable energy. Link to webcast (about 4 hours, 4 minutes). More Radio reports that the public was excluded from the meeting.

Factcheck: why fracking in UK will not reduce your energy bills. The Guardian reports on research which says it would take years to begin shale production and it is less accessible than once thought.

After temperatures reached 40C, scientists warn of such episodes every three years if emissions are not lowered. The Guardian reports on comments by the Met Office’s chief of science, Professor Stephen Belcher, who warned:

“If we continue under a high emissions scenario we could see temperatures like these every three years … The only way that we can stabilise the climate is by achieving net zero … soon.”

BP admits windfall tax will not affect its North Sea investments after all. The Guardian reports on evidence from a BP executive to the Environmental Audit Committee of MPs that new clarity on levy’s December 2025 end date means it no longer needs to review investments

Risks to health, wellbeing and productivity from overheating in buildings. Climate Change Committee publishes briefing on evidence of impacts and adaption measures.

Tuesday 19 July 2022

Cuadrilla plans to extend life of fracking site at Preston New Road in Lancashire by two years. DrillOrDrop report

Community group joins council in challenges to planning permission for UKOG gas drilling near Dunsfold in Surrey. DrillOrDrop report

UKOG threatens libel action against councillor over comments about Dunsfold gas drilling. DrillOrDrop report

The Times view on the heatwave: climate opportunity. The Times reports that wildfires and disruption caused by record temperatures highlight the urgent need to adapt to climate change.

Net zero: Tories running away from climate pledge, Labour says. BBC News reports comments by Labour’s Ed Miliband that Tory leadership candidates appear to be rowing back on the legal commitment.

Government accused of ‘pure greenwash’ as it launches Jet Zero aviation strategy on hottest day ever recorded. The Independent reports on reaction to government plans for “guilt-free flying” in its jet zero strategy.

Monday 18 July 2022

UK government’s flagship net zero strategy unlawful, court rules. DrillOrDrop report on High Court judgement in challenge to the net zero strategy. News Scientist (19/7/22), Business Green (19/7/22)

Councillors to seek legal challenge to UKOG gas drilling near Dunsfold in Surrey. DrillOrDrop report, BBC News (20/7/22)

Net zero slumps to bottom of Tory members’ priority list. The Times reports that Conservative Party members care very little about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to new polling.

UK heatwave: Temperatures rising rapidly as over 40C predicted. BBC News, among many other media outlets, reports the UK could have its hottest day on record this week, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 41C.

Director change. Angus Energy announces that it has appointed Paul Forrest, of Forum Energy Services Limited, to its board as a non-executive director.

Saltfleetby update. Angus Energy announces it has completed almost all electrical and instrument connections at Saltfleetby. Live gas is expected to be introduced as far as the test separator on Friday 22 July.

Sunday 17 July 2022

Tories, fracking and local opinion. DrillOrDrop report on leadership challengers, Conservative pressure groups and the industry

Saturday 16 July 2022

Jim Ratcliffe rides the energy crisis as Ineos bets big on oil and gas. The Telegraph reports on Ineos plans for oil and gas, including executive views on fracking.

Liz Truss: I’ll lift fracking moratorium. In an interview with the Telegraph, the leadership contender proposes lifting the moratorium on fracking in England and leaving decisions to local people.

The Times view on dangerous heatwaves: Climate Alarm. The Times leader says extreme weather is likely to become more common unless policymakers act now.

Climate chief Alok Sharma warns: I may quit if new PM dumps net zero pledge. The Observer reports that the COP26 president has suggested he could resign if the incoming prime minister fails to commit to a strong agenda on the climate crisis.

Thursday 14 July 2022

Waverley Borough Council to vote on whether to seek a legal challenge to UKOG gas drilling plans at Loxley, near Dunsfold in Surrey. DrillOrDrop report

Wednesday 13 July 2022

Minister avoids question on fracking tax relief. DrillOrDrop report on question to Greg Hands on whether fracking companies qualify for investment tax relief under the windfall tax.

Tuesday 12 July 2022

Views of confirmed Tory leadership candidates. DrillOrDrop report on the eight opening contenders

Campaigners “bang the drum” for council divestment from oil and gas. DrillOrDrop report on protest march at East Sussex pension fund investments.

Monday 11 July 2022

Tory leadership contenders skip ‘game-changing’ climate briefing from Sir Patrick Vallance. Inews reports that fewer than 70 MPS attended an emergency briefing on climate change by the government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance. None of the Conservative leadership contenders attended the event.

We’ll all suffer if the Tories become the stupid party on Net Zero. In an opinion piece, Inews reports Tory leadership hopefuls must soon realise that abandoning environmental commitments will not make them popular

Sunday 10 July 2022

Energy prices will continue to rise if oil fields like Cambo are halted – Hands. PA reports comments by the energy minister, Greg Hands, that the price of energy will increase further if oil fields like Cambo do not go ahead.

Ditching net zero would be electoral suicide for Conservatives. Zac Goldsmith, writing in the Telegraph, says Tory leadership hopefuls must recognise that environmental protection is popular with the public.

Steve Baker reboots libertarian bloc with funding from head of climate denial group. DeSmog reports the Conservative MP Steve Baker is reviving a Thatcherite pressure group, Conservative Way Forward, with financial support from Neil Record, chair of the Global Warming Policy Forum. The Guardian also reports that green Tories fear the next party leader could ditch the net zero strategy.

Saturday 9 July 2022

‘We have a real fight on our hands’ Suella Braverman sets out leadership bid. Attorney general, Suella Braverman, one of the Tory leadership contenders, says in the Express new government needs to suspend what she calls “the all-consuming desire to achieve net zero by 2050”.

Boris Johnson replacement urged to unlock British fracking ‘Unleash this huge treasure!’ The Express comments by the leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, that fracking for shale gas is a “win-win” policy that could “bankroll levelling up spending across Britain to the tune of trillions of pounds”.

Lifeline for millions in Red Wall as fracking return to provide ‘cheap or free gas’. The Express reports comments by Conservative Lord Lilley that a return to fracking could lead to cheap or free gas in those regions.

Friday 8 July 2022

Cumbria coal mine should be a no go for new levelling up secretary. New Scientist reports that Greg Clark must think twice before giving the green light to the UK’s first new coal mine in decades. It would be indefensible on climate grounds, the magazine says. The decision, which had been due on 7 July, has been postponed until on or before Wednesday 17 August 2022.

We’ve overexploited the planet, now we need to change if we’re to survive. Patrick Vallance, the UK government’s chief scientific adviser, writes in the Guardian that ambitious commitments must be made to tackle the twin challenges of carbon emissions and biodiversity loss, both of which require political will and leadership.

Rolls Royce, EDF among winners of UK greenhouse gas removal tech funding. Reuters reports the winners of £54m of UK government funding to help research technology to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Ranked: how green are the Tory leadership candidates? The Guardian reports that none of Boris Johnson’s potential successors are likely to excite environmental campaigners.

Risk of ‘conflict and strife’ in Europe over energy crisis, EU deputy warns. The Guardian reports in an exclusive comments by Frans Timmermans, the vice president of the European Commission, that a short-term return to fossil fuels is needed to head off the threat of civil unrest.

Thursday 7 July 2022

Prime minister announces at 9.14am he is to resign. Kwasi Kwarteng tweets “What a depressing state of affairs. So much needless damage caused. We now need a new leader as soon as practicable.” DrillOrDrop report

Greg Clark returns to the communities department, with power to rule on onshore oil and gas applications. DrillOrDrop report

Europa changes registered office. Europa Oil & Gas announces a change to its registered office 30 Newman Street, London, W1T 1PT.

Wednesday 6 July 2022

Business secretary withdraws support for prime minister and industry minister, Lee Rowley, resigns. DrillOrDrop report

BGS fracking review sent to ministers. DrillOrDrop report

As the government considers the future of fracking in England, a new study has revealed little support for a change of policy. DrillOrDrop report

EU lawmakers remove last hurdle to label gas and nuclear as green. Bloomberg reports that the European parliament failed to reject the inclusion of gas and nuclear technology in the EU’s taxonomy, a list of economic activities said to be in line with the bloc’s transition to climate neutrality.

Tuesday 5 July 2022

“Largely non-operational” Cuadrilla profits from tax relief. DrillOrDrop report on Cuadrilla Resources’ annual accounts for the year to June 2021.

Update on Saltfleetby. Angus Energy reports that its 8km pipeline to the Theddlethorpe national gas grid entry point has been purged of nitrogen and pressured up to 60 barg with grid specification gas. Leak and integrity testing has now been completed, a necessary first step to flowing Saltfleetby gas into the transmission system.

Deep geothermal and mine water: valuable new sources of low carbon heating. The 1922 Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Backbench Committee of Conservative MPs publishes a report on opportunities for heating from deep geothermal and mine water.

Monday 4 July 2022

Climate protesters glue themselves to Constable masterpiece at National Gallery. The Independent reports that activists pasted their own apocalyptic vision of the future set against Constables’s Hay Wain in a stand against plans to license new oil and gas projects in the UK.

Angus Energy fundraising. Angus Energy reports it has raised £2m through a direct subscription of 182m shares and signed agreements for another £1m through direct secondary subscription of 91m shares.

Sunday 3 July 2022

Britain must bring back fracking. The Telegraph editorial says imposing a moratorium on fracking was “one of the worst decisions taken by any government in the past decade”.

Saturday 2 July 2022

Fracking giant Cuadrilla offers funds to communities if ban is lifted. The Telegraph reports an offer from Cuadrilla to pay 6% of shale gas revenues to local communities if the moratorium on fracking is lifted.

Friday 1 July 2022

Latest UK onshore oil production data – March 2022. DrillOrDrop’s review of the latest UK onshore oil data for March 2022: daily production down below 14,000 barrels

Fracking ban could be axed in days in potential boost to our gas supplies, source says. The Daily Mail says the ban on fracking could be lifted within days if a scientific review finds the risks of earth tremors can be minimised.

Egdon announces changes to major holdings. Egdon Resources reports changes to its significant shareholders. Shares representing 46.04%, previously held by members of what was known as the Concert Party, have been transferred to Petrichor Partners.

Government advisor repeats ‘Russia funded anti-fracking protests’ myth. DeSmog reports that a trade advisor to the UK government, Catherine McBride, repeated on GB News an unsupported claim that billions of pounds had been “pushed into” NGOs to go and protest against fracking. Ms McBride based her claim on 2014 comments by a former Nato secretary general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and a 2020 article by the Centre for European Studies. Rasmussen said at the time his comment was based on his “interpretation”. The source of the CES claim appears to have been “an interview with anonymous contributor”.