EU Ministers 'Taking Notes' on Shale

European government ministers are talking to each other about the decisions they must make on shale gas extraction, according to one of their number.

Irish Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, told an informal meeting of European ministers in Dublin that his country was observing the US shale natural gas boom and comparing notes with EU officials on how to react.

Ireland currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.

"We have taken note of the remarkable impact of new gas discoveries including shale gas on the US energy market," Rabbitte said. "Several EU member states are weighing the benefits and risks of exploiting shale gas reserves."

His colleague, Environment Minister Phil Hogan, said he was pleased to host a European meeting on what he said would be a "safe and sustainable low-carbon future."

The European Union in 2009 adopted a goal of relying on renewable energy to meet 20% of the overall energy needs by 2020.

EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger said last month that member states need to work on 2030 climate and energy goals as it addresses the long-term goal of cutting emissions by as much as 95% by 2050.

Minister Rabbitte said last week that a rational decision based on scientific evidence would determine whether Ireland permitted hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas in its territory.