All the top fracking stories

We've recently launched a fracking hub page on the MoneyWeek website. It's called The Fracking Revolution'.

On that page you'll find a video that explains the fracking process in less than 30 seconds as well as all the latest MoneyWeek articles on the topic. You can also see links to some of the most interesting fracking articles that have recently appeared elsewhere.

We've seen some good articles in the last couple of weeks, so I thought I'd highlight a few.

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If you're wondering if there are any investment-based arguments against fracking as opposed to environmental arguments take a look at this piece by Terry Smith.

Smith's most important point is that production from a fracking well tends to decline very quickly. He says that a typical well in the Bakken Formation in North Dakota, drilled in 2012, is likely to be only producing 30% of its initial production rate today. That's some fall.

Smith's views are well worth reading as he has a pretty stellar reputation in the City. His Fundsmith fund is the third best-performing fund in the Global equity sector for the last three years. Smith also wrote the hugely influential bookAccounting for Growth in the '90s.

Positive view

Three big reasons you should love fracking

The article points out that fracking is increasing natural gas production in the US, and much of that gas is replacing coal as a source of electricity. Gas is a much cleaner fuel than coal, so fracking is helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the US.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported that we may see offshore fracking in the future. A new firm called Nebula Resources has been awarded three licences to explore in the Irish Sea and see whether offshore fracking could be viable.

And don't forget, for more information on fracking, please visit our Fracking Revolution page.

Ed has been a private investor since the mid-90s and has worked as a financial journalist since 2000. He's been employed by several investment websites including Citywire, breakingviews and The Motley Fool, where he was UK editor.

Ed mainly invests in technology shares, pharmaceuticals and smaller companies. He's also a big fan of investment trusts.

Away from work, Ed is a keen theatre goer and loves all things Canadian.

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