World Shale Gas Map, image via Wikipedia
Poland sits on an estimated 5.3 trillion cubic meters of shale gas—enough to supply the country with over 300 years of domestic energy needs. A government study released on Friday said Poland’s first frack job did not harm the environment, according to Reuters.
The study was carried out in northern Poland by the Polish Geological Institute, ordered by Poland’s Environment Ministry. The report does not impart a general conclusion but instead investigates all aspects of the fracking process. It concludes that neither the groundwater nor the atmosphere was polluted from fracking.
“What it shows is that if all procedures are adhered to, there is nothing to worry about,” a researcher involved in the study told Reuters.
With the largest estimated shale gas deposits in Europe, Poland is motivated to jump on the opportunity because it will reduce reliance on Russian supplies. Prime Minister Donald Tusk wants to make shale gas investment a key priority within the next two years. Poland’s national report on fracking and its effects is expected to be released on March 21 of this year.
