THE energy industry is changing at an alarming rate.

The dilemma we face in Britain is whether to take control of future production on these shores or rely increasingly on foreign suppliers.

This month, the UK's electricity grid was powered without using coal for the first time since the country’s first steam-driven public power station opened in 1882.

The days of coals being imported in and out of Newcastle are such a throwback that the Port of Tyne is spending millions of pounds to handle shipments of wood pellet. Fossil fuels have had their day, say ministers, who are converting power stations to run on biomass.

Meanwhile, the Government has put a block on new onshore windfarms, and the eyewatering cost of building nuclear plants means taxpayers are being forced to underwrite new developments.

Amid fears about dwindling North Sea gas supplies - and an increasing reliance upon Russia and the Middle East - you might imagine that the discovery of new British gas fields might be a cause for celebration.

But add the word ‘fracking’ and the alarm bells start to ring.

Today councillors will decide if fracking can take place in the North Yorkshire countryside.

Residents and green campaigners fear if it goes ahead it will hit tourism, agriculture, infect water supplies and send house prices into a tailspin.

The companies keen to extract shale gas say fears over fracking – such as reports it can cause earth tremors - have been blown out of all proportion.

The decision faced by councillors is incredibly difficult. If they vote to allow the controversial process to take place it is likely to lead to wells being drilled across our region.

The strength of feeling against fracking suggests that proponents have not yet done enough to allay genuine fears felt by local people.