“Modest” amount of gas and oil in Scotland’s Midland Valley

The British Geological Survey’s report on gas and oil in the Midland Valley, Scotland, suggests only “modest” amounts of both are in place.

The central estimate of shale gas in place is 80 trillion cubic feet; the central estimate for shale oil in place is six billion barrels; but exploratory drilling is needed to determine how much of the gas and oil can be technically and commercially recovered.

Amounts are expected to be substantially lower than the totals above – the Midland Valley’s estimates are particularly uncertain because the area has fewer historic wells and less seismic data than previous study areas.

The complex geology of the area and historic mine workings means that exploratory drilling and testing is even more important to determine how much can be recovered.