Next Stop Europe? The Potential of Shale Gas for the European Continent

For many European scientists and citizens, shale gas is a quite new phenomenon. Although intensively debated, few participants do contribute with verifiable and accessible data and the discussion therefore tends to get biased and based on arbitrary assumptions. This study aims to explain the production of shale gas, collect and compile existing reports on the perspectives for shale gas on the European market as well as to address probable flaws in current estimates. It will be shown that literature, media and frequent conference presentations have constructed a web of cross-referencing without building up real expertise that builds on scientific rigor. In addition, shockingly many high-status institutions such as the IEA and NPC do refer to either obviously biased or unreliable material. Lastly, the common habit of translating US shale gas production history into Europe's future production development is examined and shown to have serious deficits.

Published in: Uppsala University, bachelor thesis
Available from: Global Energy Systems