Interrelationship study of the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and socioeconomic activities: a novel approach to finding sustainable solutions

Abstract

Global energy governance is highly influenced by the increasing energy demand, dwindling conventional energy systems, and socioeconomic activities. The continuous energy demand resulting from the increase in urbanization and industrialization leads to aggressive exploitations of alternative energy sources and unconventional hydrocarbon systems. Consequently, hydraulic fracturing is given greater consideration despite its potential impacts on the environment and socioeconomic activities. For the first time, the interaction and feedback loops between the exploitation of shale gas using hydraulic fracturing and the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social, and economic) are extensively studied. Using the Fylde community at Lancashire in the UK as the research study area, this paper aims to assess the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and socioeconomic activities to find the best and most sustainable solutions to shale gas exploration and exploitation. Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was used to indicate the relative importance and influence between the key sustainability themes (elements). To design a robust and result-oriented program for the shale gas exploitation using hydraulic fracturing, the key sustainability themes with the greatest influence were used. These included local economic activity, energy security, employment rate, and water quality. The derived best and sustainable solutions for shale gas exploitation using hydraulic fracturing for the Fylde community drawn from the DEMATEL model simulation and the stakeholder analysis included enhanced hydraulic fracturing technology, provision of funding by the government, publication of environmental studies reports, implementation of key policies, and community engagement.