Shale Gas: EU Member States Need Robust Rules on Fracking

The emergence of exploration for shale oil and shale gas in some EU countries should be backed up with "robust regulatory regimes" at national level, according to a resolution approved by the Industry and Energy Committee MEPs on Tuesday. EU legislation may also need updating if exploration increases, they note.

Each EU country has the right to decide for itself on whether to exploit shale gas, said the Energy Committee. Member states should have robust rules on all shale gas activities, including hydraulic fracturing of rock ("fracking"). MEPs also advise the EU to learn from US experiences, with a view to using environmentally friendly industrial processes and "best available technologies".

The Commission recently concluded that EU rules adequately cover licensing and early exploration and production of shale gas but further expansion may require changes to EU legislation, MEPs note.

Looking ahead, MEPs called on the Commission to help evaluate the economic and environmental impact of unconventional gas in the EU.

Domestic gas consumption is currently on the rise in the EU, with imports projected to reach an annual 450 billion cubic metres by 2035. New sources of natural gas could help diversity of supply but other measures are needed to reduce dependence on imports, such as boosting take-up of renewables and energy efficiency, say MEPs.

The Energy Committee resolution was adopted with 32 votes in favour, 23 against and 1 abstention.

On Wednesday the Environment Committee will vote on a separate resolution on the environmental aspects of shale oil and shale gas, including on transparency regarding chemicals used and the risks of groundwater contamination.

Source: European Parliament