The energy department has dismissed a report that "60% of the UK countryside could be exploited" for fracking, the controversial gas extraction method.
The Independent reported that more than 32,000 square miles could be affected, notably in south, north-west and north-east England and central Scotland.
Responding to the Independent's article, a department spokesman said: "There is a big difference between the amount of shale gas that might exist and what can be technically and commercially extracted.
"It is too early to assess the potential for shale gas but the suggestion more than 60% of the UK countryside could be exploited is nonsense.
"We have commissioned the British Geological Survey to do an assessment of the UK's shale gas resources, which will report its findings next year."
The government is currently considering a report by an independent panel of experts published in April on the future of fracking in the UK.
The report recommended fracking should continue, but under stricter regulations.
Waldo_Jeffers
United Kingdom
OLD SKOOL
DEC 01, 2012 02:29 PM