Shale gas in Europe: Golden age will need golden standards first

The development of shale gas has transformed the North American energy landscape and its supporters believe unconventional gas has the ability to revolutionise the European market, which is also home to vast resources.

However, it is an uncertain time for the industry, as governments and regulators try to balance concerns about the impact on the environment of the technology used to extract the gas with the need for a viable source of energy that has lower carbon dioxide emissions than coal.

ESO: Background information: Europe told of potential shale gas bonanza http://www.europeansources.info/record/europe-told-of-potential-shale-gas-bonanza/

ESO: Background information: France to ban fracking of fossil fuels / Critics try to stifle shale gas revolution http://www.europeansources.info/record/france-to-ban-fracking-of-fossil-fuels-critics-try-to-stifle-shale-gas-revolution/

EurActiv, 1.7.11: Influential MEP calls for shale gas regulation http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/influential-mep-calls-shale-gas-news-506124

European Gas Advocacy Forum: Report: Making the Green Journey Work, 2011 http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/making_the_green_journey_work.pdf

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