Shale gas will create 'new epoch for Polish energy sector'
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
16.05.2012 13:17
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has pledged that the exploitation of shale gas “will begin a new epoch for energy in Poland.”
Photo: Rafal Guz (PAP)
The premier outlined his thoughts at an academic conference on shale gas in Warsaw on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, Tusk said that there was still much to be done before the project could be effectively realised, and that a legal framework needed to be formalised.
“No one will risk large sums of money in such a place that will not guarantee a continuity of investment,” he said.
Tusk outlined the need for “a tax system concerning this wealth, and a legal system that will be profitable not only for our own country, but also friendly for those who will cooperate with us on this venture.”
The Polish government believes that tapping the country's shale gas resources will be a major step towards being more independent in the energy sector, with Poland still largely reliant on Russia for gas.
Nevertheless, in March this year, Poland's Chief National Geologist revealed that the extent of Polish shale gas deposits may not be quite as promising as previously imagined.
Piotr Wozniak clarified that test drills have been conducted on 13 wells, but only after 100 have been penetrated will conclusive data be available. (nh)