Diverging Opinions on European Shale Gas Emerge From World Gas Conference

During the second day of the World Gas Conference in Paris, gas companies and experts focused on shale gas and fracking in Europe, with diverging opinions clearly emerging. 

ExxonMobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson argued that hydraulic fracturing in the Old Continent could lead to similar results achieved in North America.  

“Unfortunately some nations such as Germany and right here in France have put in place policies that have effectively banned hydraulic fracturing” he said as reported by document published by the organisers of the conference.  

On the other hand, the president of the International Gas Union (IGU) said that Europe cannot follow in North America’s footsteps.

"You cannot duplicate [the US experience] in Europe. Politicians are hesitating to accept shale development” Jerome Ferrier told the BBC on the sidelines of the same conference.