The European Commission (EC) has commissioned three studies to investigate the possible consequences of exploiting shale gas. The studies were published on 7 September, 2012 and look at the potential effects of unconventional fuels on energy markets, the potential climate impact of shale gas production, and the potential risks shale gas developments and associated hydraulic fracturing may present to human health and the environment. The two shale gas related studies are covered below.

Study on risk assessment and risk management measures

The study "Support to the identification of potential risks for the environment and human health arising from hydrocarbons operations involving hydraulic fracturing in Europe" shows that extracting shale gas generally imposes a larger environmental footprint than conventional gas development. In the case of cumulative projects, there is deemed to be a high risk of surface and groundwater contamination, water resource depletion, air and noise emissions, land take, disturbance to biodiversity and traffic-related impact.

In addition to making a risk assessment, the study provides an extensive review of the practices, legislation, and standards that can be used to manage hydraulic fracturing risks. It recommends 40 justified risk management measures, which are described and evaluated for their effectiveness and feasibility.

Study on shale gas greenhouse gas emissions

The study "Climate impact of potential shale gas production in the EU" shows that shale gas produced in the EU causes more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than conventional natural gas produced in the EU (1% to 8 %, depending on the technology used). If well managed, however, the climate impact of shale gas can be less than imported gas from outside the EU, be it via pipeline or by LNG. This is due to the impact long-distance gas transport has on emissions.

The study also compares the life-cycle GHG emissions of shale gas and coal and concludes: "Emissions from electricity generated from shale gas are significantly lower (41% to 49%) than emissions from electricity generated from coal. This is on the basis of methane having a 100 year GWP of 25. This finding is consistent with most other studies into the GHG emissions arising from shale gas."

Apart from GHG emissions estimates, the study analyses the suitability of EU legislation and proposes EU wide policies that could enforce the use of the most advanced technologies and practices to reduce GHG emissions. It also provides an assessment of the adequacy of GHG emissions reporting frameworks, covering fugitive emissions from shale gas production.