Shale Gas Could Ease Coal Dependence

Coal-dependent rural Poland is looking to exploit its shale gas reserves by the controversial method of 'fracking', according to a Polish diplomat.

Polish rural communities largely depend on low-cost but dirty coal for their heating, but under pressure from Brussels to provide cleaner energy, Warsaw is proposing controversial shale gas wells as an alternative.

"In small villages, each house has its own individual heating system – mostly based on coal – because access to other [heating sources] is difficult," said a Polish diplomat in Brussels.

Many Polish villagers were switching to burning wood in their coal stoves instead – because it was cheaper and locally available, explained the diplomat, who was speaking to EurActiv on condition of anonymity.

But storage problems were keeping demand for coal high and EU money would be needed to change the situation, according to the official.

"Definitely we must have it because we have to decrease the emissions of the [greenhouse] gases," he said. "Without European money it will be more difficult and take longer."

Poland currently generates around 95% of its electricity from coal.  However, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on 18 September that the government is planning a strategic move towards shale gas production beginning in 2014.

Read the Full Article from EurActiv HERE