Shale Gas - a Comparison of European Moratoria

摘要

The shale gas debate in Europe is increasingly fierce and still on-going. On the one hand environmental concerns have been voiced that could be relevant under the precautionary principle. On the other hand huge potential energy security benefits through shale gas extraction have been announced. Precautionary action on the shale gas technology in Europe has often taken the shape of imposing a moratorium on extraction activities. This article aims to analyse existing moratoria on shale gas extraction and their shortcomings in order to avoid those flaws in a European country that has yet to decide how to deal with the challenges brought about by shale gas, Germany.