Furthering the knowledge base for reducing the environmental footprint of shale gas development

 

The main ambitions of FracRisk are to form a knowledge base and formulate scientific recommendations which will contribute to efforts aimed at minimising the environmental footprint of shale gas extraction, while addressing public concerns.  The objectives of FracRisk are to develop a knowledge base for understanding, preventing and mitigating the potential impact of the exploration and exploitation through hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of significant shale gas reserves found throughout Europe, and to develop a decision support tool for risk quantification of the environmental impacts of the technology. The aim is to provide key scientific-based yet practical recommendations aimed at minimising the environmental footprint of shale gas extraction through effective planning and regulation, and also to address public concerns.

 

The project encourages cooperation and synergies between academic institutions, regulatory bodies and industry within several member states of the EU as well as fostering international cooperation with the USA where several years of experience in shale gas exploration and exploitation is available. The project will aid in the development of EU member state common objectives and milestones for the efficient environmentally and socially acceptable market implementation of the technology towards a low-carbon economy whilst increasing the energy security of the EU through developing local energy resources with minimal environmental impact for local communities. The project results will also contribute to a reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Click on the PDF to the left to view the FracRisk project brochure