2015 - The year in engineering

As 2015 draws to a close, The Engineer takes a look back at some of the biggest engineering stories of the year, from Crossrail and Bloodhound, to Hinkley Point and Tim Peake’s space adventure.

The year started in much the same way as it is now ending: with controversy over fracking. In January, a bill calling for a moratorium on fracking was defeated in the House of Commons. We asked our readers via a poll for their opinions, and almost 70 per cent said we need to understand more about fracking and its effects before we take action. Despite the lofty ambitions laid out in the Paris climate deal, last week the government handed out 159 new licences for onshore gas and oil exploration. It’s a controversial topic, and one we’ll undoubtedly be revisiting in 2016.