The Day: Shale gas revolution and its risks
Ukraine’s prospects as a result of exploration and production of shale gas could be compared to those of EU membership. The big difference is that Ukrainians have become aware of European integration as an all-round advantageous solution to their problems whereas the attitude to shale gas – rather, to the possible consequences of the existing extraction technologies – can hardly be described even as tolerant. Ukraine, along with other countries, is getting increasingly involved in a heated debate on whether a shale gas revolution is possible, whether it will benefit humankind, and most importantly, whether it will be safe.
The United States that has effectively carried out this revolution is urging other countries to follow suit. Ambassador John Tefft told a Ukrainian television channel that shale gas production would increase the competitiveness of Ukraine’s economy and create many jobs. The US shale gas revolution’s experience shows a decrease in the costs of steel, chemical components, and electricity. Above all, Tefft feels sure that the shale gas industry helps combat unemployment. Over the past several years more than 650,000 jobs have been created in the US – at the extraction facilities and in the related industries (steel and freight carrier companies, etc.). The same is true of the hotels and restaurants catering to the specialists engaged in the project.