Financial Times: US sees $90bn boost from shale gas boom

Manufacturers have announced more than $90bn worth of investments in the US to take advantage of its cheap natural gas, according to new calculations, underlining how the shale revolution appears to be driving the country’s industrial renaissance.

Petrochemicals, fuel, fertiliser and steel companies are among those that have committed to or are considering multibillion dollar investments based on their ability to source cheap energy and feedstocks.  

The US investment boom has caused concern among manufacturers in Europe, who fear they will find it difficult to compete in energy-intensive sectors. The British government set out an attempt to launch its own shale gas industry last week to help revive the moribund economy.  MORE