PGNiG Continues Shale Gas Work in Poland
Poland’s PGNiG said it will assess its shale plans in the Tomaszów Lubelski concession after an analysis of the work done in the area.
‘At present, PGNiG is analysing the results of work carried out in the Tomaszów Lubelski licence area. Upon completion of the analyses, PGNiG will decide whether to continue activity in the area, including in particular whether to drill a horizontal well and carry out a fracturing treatment’ reads a note released on Tuesday.
The company said that it has fulfilled the agreement with Chevron for the Majdan Sopocki well.
Last week, Chevron followed 3Legs Resources, ExxonMobil, Talisman and Marathon to pulled out from shale operations in Poland. International companies’ exit left local investors in the driving’s seat. The majority of the shale activity is now in the hands of PGNiG, Orlen and Lotos.
Earlier this year, PGNiG announced its intention to increase oil and gas output by 67% over the next 7 years.
PGNiG commenced the drilling on the Tomaszow Lubelski concession in March 2012. The well is the third one drilled by the company in search of shale gas in the country.
Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz said that Poland will continue drilling for shale gas despite Chevron withdrawal.
"Shale gas and energy security will still be our priority," Kopacz told a news conference on Tuesday..
However, Poland is turning the spotlight on other energy sources. According to Euractiv, in 2014, the country’s renewable capacity grew 9.4% to 6 GW, which accounts for 15.7% of the total installed capacity (38 GW).
Also on Tuesday, Poland’s Ministry of Treasury released its investment plan for the 2014-2020 period.
In the note, the only mentioned project using gas is Tauron’s Stalowa Wola and Lagisza plants.
‘The European Union agreed last year to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030 (vis-à-vis the 1990 level) but less affluent countries, including Poland, will shoulder a smaller share of the cost needed to meet these targets… According to diplomatic sources, the Polish energy sector will be able to receive free allocations worth PLN 31 bln’ the Ministry wrote on its website.