Poland may become a large supplier of gas for Europe and fully satisfy own needs in the blue fuel: huge shale gas resources were discovered in the country.

As reported in The British Times on 5 April referring to the new data by Wood Mackenzie, specializing in oil and gas research, huge resources of shale gas were discovered in Poland – approximately 1.36 billion cubic metres. They are lying in the Northern and Central regions of the country, specified “Kommersant”.

Given the data provided by Wood Mackenzie on the scale of gas were confirmed, gas resources in the EU would increase by 47%. That is enough for Poland in self-provision with gas.

In general, all other European countries are trying in recent years to find an alternative for the supplies by “Gasprom” delivering about 25% of the required gas for Europe.

Specialists prognosticate that due to vast gas resources in Poland Europe may reduce its dependence on gas supply from Russia. Oisin Fanning, the Head of the British San Leon Energy, which has also acquired licence for extracting gas in Poland, in the interview with The Times stated the following: “Currently occupation of the land is taking place. Poland is going to become a significant gas producer. All large companies are getting interested in this, and “Gasprom” is to a certain extent concerned”. According to the words of Mr. Fanning, the Polish Government is actively supporting the project in extracting shale gas.

Reference:

Shale gas differently from the natural gas is held in micro-fractures of hard slates of flammable shale, is found below traditional stocks of natural gas, and has lower factor of filtration. Difficult process of extraction make this type of raw material unconventional from the point of view of gas industry.

However, in the beginning of 2000, USA has developed new technological processes in extracting shale gas. Subsequently, this type of stock has become much more profitable. As from 1990 to date shale gas extraction in the United States has increased by four times significantly reducing prices on raw stocks.

Material has been prepared by the Centre of Geopolitical Studies with reference to the article from «Телеграф.lv» of 06 04 2010

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