Daily Maverick: The Water and Shale Gas Nexus - Who Needs Who?

As shale gas seeks to become a major player in the global energy supply, there is growing public concern about the possible effect on the environment of shale gas extraction. These include water shortages, groundwater and surface-water pollution, fugitive greenhouse gas emissions, local air quality degradation, induced seismicity, ecosystems fragmentation, and various community effects. In South Africa, such public pressure has led to the establishment of a strategic environmental assessment of fracking – work has already commenced for the 18-month process. While all the potential environmental externalities of shale gas are worthy of further exploration, it is the water-related effects that will be the elephant in the room when it comes to the viability of this resource.

The relation between water and shale gas essentially boils down to three questions: 1) Where can large enough amounts of water be economically sourced? 2) What are the best technologies to manage, treat and dispose of fracking wastewater? and 3) How can short-term and long-term water contamination risks be managed?

Read the full article HERE.