French Shales: The Door Remains Open

Will Energy Security and Economic Cost/Benefit outweigh Environmental Concerns?

Much to the chagrin of opponents, the preliminary report on the economic issues, social and environmental of shale gas and shale oils in France has concluded that it "is essential to carry out research and testing for exploration."

The report proposes that an environmental impact study be conducted under strict supervision of a national scientific committee composed of experts from France and from abroad.

The authors cite four conditions that must be "absolutely satisfied" before any exploration: a good knowledge of the geology and hydrogeology of the local use of best available technology, a strict legal framework and technical work research, and rigorous controls.

Hydraulic fracturing or fracking should be not be undertaken until the conclusions of the proposed study are assessed.

During his speech in favor of cancellation of shale gas licenses already granted, Prime Minister Francois Fillon, stated: "There is no question of closing the door to technological advances that allow for future access to new energy resources."

Minister for Ecology Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet commented to AFP: "My first feeling was correct, these authorizations have not been given before the environmental assessment."  She said the preliminary report indicates that "there is need for much further work before a conclusion one way or the other."

In attempting to appeal to the interests of local politicians, the preliminary report also called for a revision of oil taxes so that local communities have an interest in oil exploitation on their territory. Unlike the United States where individual citizens have benefited from shale gas and shale oil production through the lease of their private lands to producers, the French state has ownership of the lands over which the resources lie below.

The findings of the preliminary report of the together with such statement by politicians, appear to be setting the groundwork for a move towards accessing shale gas and shale oils resources based upon environmental investigation and regulation and the implementation of "cleaner and less controversial technology."

The Paris basin area reportedly contains recoverable deposits of shale oil estimated at 100 million m3.  The southern areas of France could hold upwards of 500 billion m3 of  shale gas.

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