The last few years have seen important developments in alternative exploration “plays” related to energy. One of these is shale gas which, along with tight gas sands and coal-bed methane, has emerged as a new major gas resource in the Lower 48 states of the USA over the last 10 years, and is now expanding into Europe and elsewhere. No shale gas play has yet been brought to production in Europe. Yet, many areas contain prime targets for shale gas exploration.

It can already be assessed that the shale gas extraction in the USA will have noticeable impulses on the world wide gas market. Existing monopoly structures will thereby be put into perspective which will also add to a realistic pricing.

So far it cannot be said how things will develop in Europe. Assessments alternate between very optimistic prognoses concerning shale gas extraction and the absolute negation of the possibility of a responsible economic and ecological use of this resource.

However, as black shales with a wide range of maturities occur in almost all European Phanerozoic formations a significant potential for exploration success exists and - assuming successful exploration - may buffer local energy demands.

In the end it should come down to a complex evaluation process that considers all aspects: the economy, the environment and matters of climate protection on a local, regional and global scale.

Information about frequently asked questions concerning:

- Shale Gas Geology, Technology

- Environmental Issues

- Shale Gas Economics