Limited company contractors and freelancers with skills in the energy sector could benefit from an investment into the UK’s shale gas industry.
According to a new report by engineering body, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), as many as 4,200 new job opportnuties could be created over the next ten years, many of which could go to highly skilled contractors.
The IMechE have said that 1,300 jobs could be created annually in Lancashire alone.
However, the engineering body has said that the shale industry would not solve the country’s energy problems and that more will need to be done in other areas to provide the right mix.
Dr Tim Fox, IMechE head of energy and environment and lead author of a shale gas policy statement, said, ‘Shale gas has the potential to give some of the regions hit hardest by the economic downturn a much-needed economic boost.
‘The engineering jobs created will also help the government’s efforts to rebalance the UK’s skewed economy.
‘UK shale gas could make a helpful contribution to the UK’s energy security for the next two centuries, but it is not the silver bullet many claim it is. It is unlikely to have a major impact on energy prices and the possibility that the UK might ever achieve self-sufficiency in gas is remote.
‘A general over-reliance on gas will render the UK a hostage to volatile global energy markets, with or without UK shale gas. It is vital that the government continues to develop a balanced energy policy, incorporating renewables, nuclear and fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage.’
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