The Scottish Government promised to make a decision on underground coal gasification (UCG) before 10 October. On 8 October, the Scottish Government confirmed that a ban will be in place on UCG.
In line with the cautious, evidence-based approach adopted by the Scottish Government, a separate ban on UCG will allow the necessary time for full and careful consideration of the potential impacts of this new technology. Ministers have been clear that fracking and UCG are two separate technologies, subject to different licensing regimes, and hence will be considered separately.
The Scottish Government has appointed Professor Campbell Gemmell, former CEO of SEPA, to lead an independent examination of the issues and evidence surrounding UCG. This will include working closely with communities and stakeholders to understand the issues of most concern to them.