One Third of World’s Shale Resources Hindered by Water Stress, Says WRI

The main threat for hydraulic fracturing developments could come from the lack of adequate water reserves in areas close to shale formations, says a recent report. 

“Water risk is one of the most important, but underappreciated challenges when it comes to shale gas development. With 386 million people living on land above shale plays, governments and business face critical choices about how to manage their energy and water needs,” Andrew Steer, President & CEO of the World Resources Institute (WRI), said in a note released on Tuesday.

According to the report by a non-governmental research organisation, 38% of the world’s shale resources ‘face high to extreme water stress or arid conditions.’ In other words, more than a third of shale resources could be difficult to develop.

“This analysis should serve as a wake-up call for countries seeking to develop shale gas. Energy development and responsible water management must go hand in hand,” WRI’s Steer added.

Water availability further complicates the attempt to standardise gas production from shale formations.

The report recommended governments and companies to assess water risks and eventual consequences on local businesses. At the same time, it asked potential producers to minimise freshwater use.