Publication

This commentary clarifies Europe’s lack of enthusiasm for shale ‘fracking’ as an energy source. It emphasizes, for example, the huge difference that exists between designated deposits and those that can be extracted economically from the ground. Second, it defends EU inaction on shale-energy development by reminding us that licensing the exploration and production of raw materials is still a national-level prerogative rather than a regional one. Finally, in view of the plentiful and rather cheap conventional gas still currently available on the market, the commentary suggests that Europe might want to wait and let fracking technology improve over time.