Headline: The Future of Shale Gas in Europe: New IASS Fact Sheet Provides a Comprehensive Overview

Fracking

Positive and negative experiences of exploiting shale gas in the USA over the past decade have put the spotlight on this gas as a potentially significant fossil resource across the globe. In Europe, sizeable reserves are known to exist in several countries including France, Germany, Poland, Romania, and the UK, but we do not yet know how much of the gas is recoverable. In many European countries, the possibility to exploit this resource has sparked public debates and sometimes controversies. Germany, for instance, is in the process of adopting a regulatory framework for fracking, with the main concerns being possible environmental risks. In this context it is crucial that discussions are grounded on the best available facts and scientific results. The recently published IASS Fact Sheet on “Shale Gas and Fracking in Europe” provides a comprehensive overview of the main concepts and issues associated with this topic. Shale gas and hydraulic fracturing are presented and explained and the various environmental risks associated with this technique are analysed based on the latest research findings. Beyond the technical aspects, the wider economic and climate policy implications of shale gas are discussed, with particular attention being paid to the European situation.

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16.06.2015