Brussels, 14/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - There are no scientific or technical grounds for banning hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Europe, but the exploitation of shale gas will not be a miraculous solution for guaranteeing energy security or for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, says the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) in a statement published on Thursday 13 November.
The environmental footprint from shale gas extraction can be largely reduced through better fracking techniques, including the replacement of certain potentially harmful chemicals. Furthermore, the impact of extraction on health, safety and the environment is limited by a regulatory framework which is already in place and fairly strict in most countries.
However, while there is significant global potential, shale gas “will not be a miraculous solution” for guaranteeing the EU's energy security because the potential of shale gas extraction remains “uncertain” due to limited geological data enabling the accessibility of reserves in Europe to be judged, EASAC states.
Furthermore, EASAC is uncertain whether shale gas contributes, as is claimed, to a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which, in EASAC's opinion, depends also on avoiding methane emissions at all stages of exploitation (drilling, production and after the well is closed).
Lastly, any large scale operation will require public acceptance. EASAC stresses that the commitment and transparency of operating companies will be essential in this regard. (EH)