“Gas Shales in Europe, 2012 - Market Analysis, Industry Development and Competitive Landscape”

Eastern Europe Set to Lead Shale Gas Production in the Region.

Poland and Ukraine aim to free themselves from reliance on Russian gas imports, and make plans for domestic shale gas production, according to a new report by energy experts The authors.

The new report* argues that shale development is challenged by Eastern Europe's difficult land access, inadequate infrastructure, increasing protests against hydraulic fracturing and limited availability of drilling equipment, but acknowledges that positive government attitudes are putting these aspirations in reach.

Russia hold enormous natural gas reserves, and their export business has resulted in a near monopoly held by major Russian natural gas producer, Gazprom, throughout the East European region. This over dependence has led to a drive within Eastern Europe to seek alternative sources of natural gas.

Poland is currently at the forefront of shale gas development in Europe, and is believed to have significant recoverable shale gas reserves in the region. The country currently contains recoverable shale gas reserves of between 12.4tcf and 27.4tcf, with maximum recoverable shale gas reserves at 68.6tcf, which if exploited can provide for at least 24 years of the country's natural gas needs at current consumption rate. Representing around 30% of the total European shale gas market, Poland is aiming to maintain this dominance through numerous exploration projects and concessions.

Companies Mentioned

- 3Legs Resources PLC

- BNK Petroleum Inc.

- Chevron Corporation

- Cuadrilla Resources Ltd.

- ConocoPhillips

- ENI S.p.A.

- ExxonMobil Corporation*

- Hutton Energy

- LNG Energy Ltd.

- Marathon Oil Corporation

- Mouvoil Sa

- RWE Dea AG

- San Leon Energy

- Schuepbach Energy LLC

- Talism

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5954dw/gas_shales_in_euro

Source: GlobalData