Fracking monitor

While shale gas is seen by many as an important source of energy, the process of extraction - hydraulic fracturing - has come under scrutiny.

Recently, Lichfield-based Cuadrilla Resources announced significant shale gas resources in Lancashire. If extracted on a commercial scale, domestically produced natural gas could increase the UK's energy security.

Cuadrilla's commissioned GasClam to monitor background gas concentrations, with the device left in the ground to measure, record and transmit concentrations during operations.This data will be made available to the public and included on Cuadrilla's website.

GasClam was developed by Salamander, a University of Manchester spin out company; Dr Pete Morris of Ion Science, global distributor of the technology, says: "We have received huge international interest for the GasClam to demonstrate shale gas can be, and is, extracted safely."