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Shale gas extraction in Europe not affect world energy balance

Executive director of the International Energy Agency Maria van der Hoeven pointed to some obstructions to shale gas production in Europe

ST. PETERSBURG, June 20 (Itar-Tass) - The extraction of shale gas in Europe over years to come will not influence the world energy balance, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, Maria van der Hoeven, said at the presentation of a report on the condition of the world gas industry in the medium term.

“Let me give you an example. Annual gas production in Poland today is equivalent to the amount Eagle Ford in the United States produces in one week,” van der Hoeven said.

Also, she pointed to some obstructions to shale gas production in Europe, such as population density, worse extraction conditions in contrast to those in the United States and legal hurdles.

“We see certain prospects for shale gas production in Poland, Ukraine and, possibly, Britain. But in Germany and France there is a moratorium on production. In the Netherlands the issue is being discussed. We do not believe that large amounts of shale gas from Europe will hit the market in years to come,” she said.

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