Can 'fracking' solve Europe's energy shortages?

摘要

The contentious debate over 'fracking' in Europe is increasingly showing similar political divisions to those over genetically modified (GM) crops and biofuels, according to Brian Gardner, analyst with our sister publication Agra Europe. Hydraulic fracturing involves using huge amounts of pressurised water mixed with chemicals to crack open shale sedimentary rock containing hydrocarbons to release natural gas, which opponents claim could trigger earthquakes, pollute the water supply or smother farmland.