Energy conference in Lincoln discusses gas supplies discovered in the Gainsborough area

Lincolnshire's First energy conference has discussed what some say is the huge potential of the gas supplies found under the Gainsborough area

The event saw calls for the ban on fracking to be lifted with claims it could help us become more energy secure.

Opponents claim fracking is dangerous and environmentally friendly sources need prioritising .

Fracking is a different beast now and the way it's done is completely different

County councillor for the economy environment and planning Colin Davie set out the case for fracking in the Gainsborough area to go ahead.

He told us: "The problem with solar and onshore wind - it's intermittent power generation - it needs back up all the time it's not cheap - it's not reliable and that's no way to plan the energy supply in this country."

"Fracking is a different beast now and the way it's done is completely different."

"Obviously it has to be safe and that's a matter for the planning process."

"At the moment the Government doesn't want it hear about it so it will require a change in Government."

He also spoke about the possibility of small nuclear reactors being used in Lincolnshire.

We're doing nothing about global heating - nothing meaningful at all

“There have been discussions about a small nuclear reactor on the Humber, which makes total sense as it’s close to water”

“It may be that there are other sites in Lincolnshire that are suitable – I’m not an expert in that. But we have a disused gas terminal and other potential sites around the county.

“If we demand clean carbon, nuclear is the way, whether it’s modular or large scale."

Meanwhile fracking has its critics with Extinction Rebellion Lincoln holding a protest at the energy conference yesterday.

We spoke to Eddie Francis from the group.

He says: "All gas like oil is sold on an international market - people say well let's get our gas locally and we'll get cheaper energy bills - that's in no way guaranteed."

"We're doing nothing about global heating - nothing meaningful at all and that's where we need the action."

"We're frightened that we don't have a future - our children don't have a future - it's horrific."

"It would be a great mistake if Labour goes back on its promise to stop fracking."

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