Utility Week: Npower CEO says UK shale gas extraction unlikely

Npower Ceo Volker Beckers has added his voice to those pouring cold water on the idea that shale gas may become a major part of the UK energy mix. 

Speaking at the company's conference in London on Thursday Beckers said he believed energy prices would only rise over the medium and long term, with shale having little bearing on European prices. 

While gas prices in the USA are around half those in Europe, and around half that again in China because of shale, Beckers said it would be "impossible" to use the same methods to extract shale in Europe because of environmental regulations. He said it was possible opportunities  in southern and eastern Europe could be exploited, but at a higher cost than those in the US and China.  MORE