Non, Merci Bien: Hollande Shuts the Door on Fracking

Industry hopes for a near-term re-examination of shale gas and shale oil exploration in France were dashed today by French President Francois Hollande.

Speaking at the opening of a conference focused on the themes of the transition to new energy sources and biodiversity, Hollande said that he he would order the rejection of seven applications for permits to explore for shale gas, citing potential impacts on health and the environment related to the process of hydraulic fracturing.

"I have asked Delphine Batho, Environment Minister, to reject without delay the seven applications for a permit, that have legitimately aroused concerns in several regions," he said.

Recent reports had indicated that hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," the use of which was banned earlier this year, may be allowed to proceed on an experimental basis.

But Hollande made it clear that there would be no movement on this issue.

“As far as the exploration and exploitation of non-conventional hydrocarbons is concerned, this will be my policy throughout my [five-year] term of office,” said the President of the French Republic.

A recent BVA poll conducted on behalf of Acting for the Environment (Agir pour l'Environnement), indicated that 82% of respondents seek the development of renewable energy as a priority, with only 3% preferring shale development.