Dossier - January 2014

Could shale gas mark the beginning of an energy revolution? Since it was first exploited in the United States in the 1970s, shale gas has been the subject of many controversies, mostly because of the environmental impacts of the drilling process.

Yet in January 2014 the European Commission gave its green light to the exploitation of shale gas on European soil. Despite this authorisation, France continues to refuse research permits and exploitation on French soil. 

This Dossier du CERI seeks to highlight the stakes of shale gas exploitation, and the reasons behind the controversies.