Prospects of the Use of Shale Gas in the EU Power Sector

Abstract

Apart from the uncertainty associated with changes in the demand for gas, the discussion oninternational gas markets is dominated by the question of gas production from unconventional sources,including shale. Because the acquisition and use of shale gas in the United States had a significantimpact on the economy and led to a significant gas prices fall, reduction of production costs and theincrease of the economy competitiveness as well as many other effects known as “shale revolution”.European Union is currently absorbed by the discussion of shale gas use in the EU energy sector. Onthe one hand, there are many positive effects of “shale revolution” in the United States and Canada, theexploitation of shale gas can reduce the dependence on gas imports from Russia and increase energysecurity. But on the other hand, shale gas is indicated as a potential threat to the environment, includingthe possibility of groundwater contamination. This article is an attempt to find answers to the following questions: – whether the European Unioncountries possessing potential shale gas resources will decide to explore them and to what extent,– what the potential effects of the “European shale revolution” for the individual countriesas well as for the whole European Union are, – what the prospects for shale gas to be included incommon energy policy are, or whether decisions in this matter will remain the sovereign responsibilityof EU countries?It seems that shale gas is an opportunity for the EU energy sector; however, its exploitation and usagewill depend primarily on attitude of EU members, their energy mixes and the standpoint of theEuropean Union regarding this issue.