Barnsley could be sitting on reserves of shale gas, according to a new map drawn up by the British Geological Survey.
It conducted an independent study into the presence of the gas around South Yorkshire to establish the presence of gas reserves in Barnsley, Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster.
Reserves have also been found around Manchester, the south of Nottingham, Harrogate, York and Scarborough.
Government ministers have already announced payments for residents who host controversial 'fracking' wells - where rock is fractured with high-pressure liquid to release the gas.
Communities will receive at least £100,000 for each well where fracking takes place on the hunt to find the gas. They'll also be entitled one per cent of revenues.
Though it is early days for shale in the UK, the government has said it has the potential to contribute to the country's energy security, increase inward investment, employment and economic growth.
Energy minister, Michael Fallon, said: "Given the scale of its potential, it would be irresponsible of us not to encourage its exploration." if the drilling proves to be commercially viable.
Friends of the Earth's Tony Bosworth is against the proposals.
"Extracting shale gas will have a significant effect on local communities and our environment - the more that's extracted, the bigger those impacts will be," he said.
