 The search could uncover significant natural gas reserves |
A major exploration project has started near Canonbie in Dumfries and Galloway in the hope of locating natural gas reserves underground. Drilling is currently taking place at four sites in the area near Longtown in a bid to uncover coal bed methane.
Green Park Energy is drilling eight boreholes to find out if there is gas available to be extracted.
If the project proves successful it is hoped it could see significant investment in the area.
It is believed there could be substantial reserves of methane trapped in coal seams deep below the surface.
Test rigs
Test rigs between 30ft and 100ft high are sinking boreholes of up to 3,600ft below the ground and will be carrying out testing for the next month.
A spokesman for the Chesterfield-based firm said the bore holes would give an indication of how much gas there might be.
It should also help to assess whether it can be pumped to the surface.
If the test results prove positive then the company could apply for planning permission for the development of a number of sites.
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