International Policy Digest: Environmentalists Challenge Algeria Fracking

In an effort to capitalize on potential shale gas reserves and meet a rapidly rising domestic demand, the Algerian state company Sonatrach announced last year it will begin production of its shale gas fields by 2020. The $70 billion hydraulic fracturing project is expected to bring in profits from energy exports as well as meet a rising domestic demand.

The project, however, is facing wide public scrutiny. Recent protests across the country have turned violent, as local populations cite environmental concerns over the fracking process. Though the government has been able to contain the protests to an extent, it will need to address these popular concerns to move forward.

Read the full article HERE.