The Academy of Sciences Says France Should Pursue Shale

France’s Académie des Sciences has recommended undertaking research into shale gas extraction.

In a report released late last week, the prestigious sciences body states that France should carry out studies into extraction methods which could minimise environmental risks and allow exploratory drilling under strict conditions.

Amongsts its recommendations, the institution called for the creation of an "independent and multidisciplinary scientific authority" that would assess the existing methods and operating reserves.

Speaking to Les Echos, Académie representative Sébastien Candel, commented "We focused on the science of risk estimation avoiding having a merely emotional approach."

"In general, we found that the risks associated with the extraction of shale gas can be controlled with appropriate regulations," said Candel, the Chair of Foresight Energy Academy of Sciences.

The report indicated that other extraction methods "do not constitute an alternative to hydraulic fracturing used in practice” and that therefore research must be conducted research on improving the existing technique."

Commenting on the possiblity of groundwater contamination, the Académie said "the risk of direct contamination due to hydraulic fracturing is unlikely” as gas deposits are several hundred meters below aquifers and largely outside range longer cracks caused by fracturing.

In respect to seismicity, the Académie recognized that the injection of water into the ground could produce earthquakes, but concluded that the “levels are lower than those experienced naturally or those related to mining activities,” while recommending seismicity should be monitored during gas extraction.

A ban on hydraulic fracturing was introduced by the by government of Nicolas Sarkozy in 2011 and confirmed by Francois Hollande, who repeatedly ruled out fracking during his presidency.

In October,France’s Constitutional Court confirmed the ban on hydraulic fracturing ruling that the law is completely in line with the Constitution.

The appeal to the courts was brought by Schuepbach Energyafter the French government withdrew three shale gas permits granted to the Dallas based comany and to  Total SA following the adoption of the law prohibiting the exploration and exploitation of shale gas and shale oil by fracking. 

Separately, Schuepbach has asked the French government for 1 billion euros ($1.36 billion) in compensation for the repeal of two exploration permits licenses in Nant (Aveyron) and Villeneuve-de-Berg (Ardèche).