Commission studies impact of shale gas on markets, environment and climate
A JRC report on market impacts of unconventional fossil fuels, in
particular shale gas, was released today together with two other
Commission reports covering environmental and climate change aspects.
The study, performed for the Commission’s Directorate-General for
Energy, shows that following extraction of unconventional gas in the US,
greater supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) have become available
at global level, indirectly influencing EU gas prices.
The study
suggests that under a best case scenario, taking into account
environmental considerations, future shale gas production in Europe
could help the EU maintain its dependency on energy imports at around 60
% of its total energy needs. But the report also reveals the sometimes
considerable uncertainty about recoverable volumes, technological
developments, public acceptance and access to land and markets.
The report on environmental impacts shows that extracting shale gas
generally imposes a larger environmental footprint than conventional gas
development. Risks of surface and ground water contamination, water
resource depletion, air and noise emissions, land take, disturbance to
biodiversity and impacts related to traffic are deemed to be high in the
case of cumulative projects. A considerable number of questions
relating to legislation and regulation have been identified, implying
the need for an appropriate framework to enable a sustainable shale gas
extraction in Europe. The third report which examines climate impacts
shows that shale gas produced in the EU causes more green house gas
emissions than conventional natural gas produced in the EU, but – if
well managed – less than imported gas from outside the EU.
Shale gas extraction has become a topical issue in Europe, attracting
the interest of several market players and giving rise to a number of
public concerns. The studies look at the potential effects of these
fuels on energy markets, the potential climate impact of shale gas
production, and the potential risks shale gas developments and
associated hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") may present to human health
and the environment.
The Commission remains neutral as regards Member States decisions'
concerning their energy mix. It will oversee compliance with EU legal
requirements, and ensure that an appropriate framework to enable
sustainable shale gas extraction is in place. EU policy objectives
towards a decarbonised and resource-efficient economy remain a key
priority, together with EU commitments towards improving energy
efficiency and further developing renewable energy sources.
The studies published today will inform ongoing work examining the need
for a risk management framework for shale gas developments in Europe
and, if necessary, the form it might take. The Commission will hold
discussions with Member States and will organise a public consultation
with stakeholders.
The studies can be accessed here.
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