Strasbourg, 20/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - The use of shale gas in Europe, which could benefit from its abundant reserves in terms of energy security, has given rise to controversy within the European Parliament where there is still concern about its environmental impact. The hydraulic fracturing method of extraction is largely frowned upon, which means Europe should adopt a realistic but cautious approach.
Prior to Wednesday's vote on the report by Boguslaw Sonik (EPP, Poland) on the impact that shale gas and oil shale extraction would have on the environment, and the report by Niki Tzavela (EFD, Greece) on the industrial and energy aspects of shale gas, the debate on exploitation of this non-conventional fossil fuel unleashed passions at the Parliament in Strasbourg for nearly three hours on Tuesday 20 November. Just before the entrance to the conference room, there was an exhibition of the advantages of shale gas presented by an association answering to the name of Responsible Energy Citizens Coalition, and sponsored by three members of the EPP - Jacek Protasiewicz of Poland, Alejo Vidal-Quadras of Spain, and Herbert Reul of Germany - and supported by the members of other political groups also - Robert Goebbels (S&D, Luxembourg) and Holger Krahmer (ALDE, Germany). This did not fail to cause tension.
Opening the debate to which Commissioners Janez Potocnik (Enviornemt) and Günther Oettinger (Energy) were invited, Sonik and Tzavela underlined how balanced their respective reports were. Both were based on the need for a precautionary approach concerning the use of an energy source available to several member states, albeit respecting strict environmental norms. Sonik said (our translation throughout): “Europe cannot afford the luxury of not using shale gas. It can become a major global producer. The Commission (Ed.: along the lines of the International Energy Agency) has recognised that shale gas will play a major role in the energy mix in the future. We must find a consensus which is based on scientific knowledge and not on prejudice”. Tzavela took up: “Shale gas gives us everything. As shown by its development in the United States, it is a challenge for growth and industrial competitiveness, not a threat”, while adding that there is a need for a “foreseeable approach for the use of better technologies in order to exploit it”.
Although, during the debate, a large majority of MEPs called for a strict regulatory framework to be set in place for the use of shale gas, the Greens/EFA members called for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, pending European legislation on this. However, after the fashion of the Belgian Socialist, Frédérique Ries, the most moderate MEPs called for a realistic but cautious approach with regard to shale gas. (EH/transl.jl)