LARGE swathes of Nottinghamshire could be explored for shale gas in a process known as fracking under new plans.
The Government has opened a national bidding process for companies seeking licences to explore for onshore oil and gas.
And areas up for exploration include large parts of the county.
The licences provide the first step to starting drilling – but do not give absolute agreement to drill.
On top of a licence, any further drilling application will then require planning permission, as well as permits from the Environment Agency and sign-off from the Health and Safety Executive.
Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock said: "Unlocking shale gas in Britain has the potential to provide us with greater energy security, jobs and growth.
But Nigel Lee of the Nottingham Friends of the Earth, has previously said: "We're against it – the amount of energy and problems associated with shale gas are too many."
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