Shale gas refers to natural gas that was generated, and is still confined, within fine grained dark grey - black sedimentary rocks called shales. This gas is disseminated within myriads of tiny (nm sized) pores or adsorbed on mineral and organic particle surfaces within the rock, and can only be released by the controlled fracturing of the rock by specialists. The production of unconventional gas in many countries, even at modest levels, could transform the supply mix in that country. But as things stand today it is unclear how matters will develop in Europe. Assessments alternate between very optimistic prognoses concerning shale gas extraction and the absolute rejection of exploiting this resource under any circumstances. Europe urgently needs to assess the benefits that shale gas offers future generations, and at the same time ascertain the kinds of regulatory framework required for ensuring the adoption of best practices for environmental security. Shale gas exploitation in Europe requires transparency, a fact already recognized by industry. This presentation will provide a pragmatic perspective of all the major issues surrounding shale gas.
Brian Horsfield is Professor of Organic Geochemistry and Hydrocarbon Systems at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany and research section leader at GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. He is a member of acatech, the German Academy of Science and Technology. He has more than thirty years experience working with and for the petroleum industry in upstream research and development, beginning with 9 years at Conoco and Arco, and has more than 180 publications in leading journals. His research interests include conventional and unconventional oil and gas systems, and unravelling the workings of the so-called deep biosphere. Professor Brian Horsfield is director of the research project Gas Shales in Europe (GASH).
Moderation: Professor Dr. Friedrich Wagner