France debates shale development to balance energy security and environment
PARIS: A report by a French legislator urges the government to reconsider the proposed ban on shale gas development in the country. Senator Jacques Black, in a report issued on April 13, suggested that it was legitimate to pursue resources such as shale oil and gas for the sake of France’s energy security, which depends heavily on oil supplies from Libya, currently in the midst of a civil war, and nuclear power, which carries high risk as demonstrated by the earthquake-damaged nuclear reactors in Japan.
France has significant shale resources in the Paris Basin, located in the southeast region of the country. In 2010, France had issued exploration permits to Total and US-based Schuebpach Energy, but no drilling has taken place.
Shale development in France faces opposition from the Green and UMP parties, resulting in a suspension of drilling activity.
An environmental impact study on shale development is underway with preliminary report due on April 15 and final report due in June. The National Assembly is expected to debate a proposed complete ban on exploration and extraction on May 10.
04/14/2011