Cuadrilla has submitted an application to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for consent to conduct hydraulic fracturing operations in its second horizontal shale gas exploration well at the Preston New Road site in Lancashire. Consent to conduct hydraulic fracturing operations in the first horizontal exploration well on the site was granted last month.

The second horizontal well, drilled through the Upper Bowland shale at an approximate depth of 2,100m below the surface, extends laterally for some 750 metres through the shale gas reservoir and was completed in mid-July.

Cuadrilla expects to start hydraulic fracturing at Preston New Road within the next two months.

About Cuadrilla

Formed in the UK in 2007, Cuadrilla is a privately owned British exploration and production company focused on discovering and recovering natural resources, primarily natural gas, from shale rock. The company is headquartered in Bamber Bridge, Lancashire.

Cuadrilla aims to be a model company for exploring and developing shale gas in the UK. We are acutely aware of the responsibilities this brings, particularly with regard to safety, environmental protection and working with local communities. Shale gas exploration and development can be carried out safely, securely and in an environmental responsible way, and we will do that, so that as a country we have less need to use coal to generate electricity and import less gas from overseas.