Any major boost to GDP from shale gas still some way off

As well as raising hopes about the UK’s future energy independence, the Government’s decision to allow “fracking” in the North West of England to recommence has fostered optimism that the UK economy will be boosted by a new “dash for gas” similar to that seen in the 1990s. A clear-headed look at the figures, though, suggests that the development of the shale gas industry is unlikely to boost the prospects for GDP growth in the near-term by much.