European Fracking - Potential and Pitfalls

Oil & Natural Gas / Gas Shales / Exploration

Date posted: 11/20/13

The potential for shale oil and gas development in Europe is huge, but what level of extraction can be expected. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking as it has become colloquially known, is a contentious issue. But this is no revelation, even places that are successfully extracting natural oil and gas in this way, such as the US, are still facing fierce opposition 60 years since the first well was fracked. Now that this energy source is garnering interest on European shores,looks at the likelihood of uptake. Fracking is an important end market for frac sand, bentonite, barite, sintered bauxite, kaolin and other industrial minerals used in the natural oil and gas extraction process. Fracking has been placed under the spotlight in several European countries in recent years, including, Poland, the UK, France, Spain and Germany, as government leaders seek new power in the journey towards a diversified and more independent energy mix.The potential for shale gas development in Europe is very good. Countries such as France, Poland, Ukraine and the UK have substantial resources. Indeed, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has estimated large resources in Europe, however the true extent of gas present will not be known until more substantial drilling has taken place. Therefore, turning the Europe potential into a reality will take further exploratory drilling, community engagement, political commitment and government clarification of legal and taxation frameworks.