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Buy photos » Claire Jordan and Gareth Herd, from No UCG Warks, are among those determined to fight the plans. Picture by Jon Mullis 33.013.024.rug.jm1 (www.buyphotos247.com)
A CONTROVERSIAL method of extracting energy from deep underground could be devastating for Warwickshire, a campaign group has claimed.
The Government is considering granting a conditional licence for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) - similar to fracking - across a vast area of countryside from Bubbenhall through Princethorpe and Marton towards Long Itchington.
No UCG Warks - set up to fight the plan - is concerned about environmental risks including large carbon emissions, groundwater contamination and ground subsidence.
A spokesperson said: “A UCG plant in Warwickshire must be resisted and must not be allowed to proceed. The dangers are very real and very scary.
“Although UCG has been around for a while it remains in its infancy in terms of commercial use. A UCG plant will be devastating for Warwickshire.
“There could be an environmental catastrophe. It’s still quite experimental and the technology is improving all the time but historically there has been a lot of accidents and water contamination.
“It would be a complete blight and eyesore, generate a lot of traffic and I can’t imagine it sitting peacefully in the middle of Warwickshire.”
Birgitta Ashworth, co-ordinator of Leamington and Warwick Friends of the Earth, also claimed contamination of the Upper Leam would be a strong possibility if it went ahead.
UCG works by igniting coal in the ground by using similar drilling techniques to those involved in fracking, reaching huge amounts of previously inaccessible coal. Resultant gases are collected and burnt to produce energy.
London-based Cluff Natural Resources PLC made the initial application for the site in May. It would be the company’s sixth UCG licence.
Founder Algy Cluff said: “We have got to decide as a country what we are going to do.
“Do we want the lights to go on or off? The coal is there and we need it.
“I can understand some anxiety about fracking as there is water involved and chemicals and high pressures. That doesn’t apply in our case. UCG is a cheaper, cleaner and safer option.”
The Coal Authority has invited other applications for the licence but is yet to receive any.
The permission of the Environment Agency, landowners and local authorities would be required before operations could begin.
No UCG Warks has organised a public meeting for Thursday, September 5 at 7pm at St Andrews Church House in Rugby.
The licence covers a large area of Warwickshire countryside. (s)
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