Could Batho's Dismissal Change Cards on French Shale Table?
The dismissal of former Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Energy Delphine Batho left behind one of the fiercest shale gas opponents in France.
Batho stated several times her aversion to shale gas industry, saying as late as last week that “the government’s position will not change.” Her dismissal by President Francois Hollande could change the cards on the table, while the legal action of Schuepbach could further foster a U-turn in French shale gas policies.
On Thursday, Batho blamed pressure groups that would have wanted her scalp in the light of her opposition to shale gas and the intention to proceed with a decrease in France’s dependence on nuclear energy.
“The battle crystallized notably on the question of shale gas and more discreetly on the reduction of nuclear in France,” Batho said at a press conference at the National Assembly.
The former Minister was dismissed by Hollande ten hours after her critiques on the 2014 budget. Philippe Martin was appointed as her successor.
US-based Schuepbach, which holds two exploration licenses, initiated a constitutional question doubting the legitimacy of the law.
A public rapporteur presented his recommendation to the Supreme Court last week. He suggested to refer the case to the Constitutional Council. In case the Supreme Court will accept the recommendation, the Constitutional Council would then decide on the legitimacy of the law within three months.
Today, the Chief Executive Officer of GDF Suez SA called for Europe to consider shale gas development. Gerard Mestrallet said that energy policies had led to higher power prices and carbon emissions and cut peak capacities. “The energy policy is a failure, whether it’s on climate, competitiveness, or securing supplies,” the French corporate chief declared.
Head of Strategy for French gaint Total SA, Jean-Jacques Mosconi, previoulsy commented that “France apparently has one of the best potentials for shale gas along with Poland,” in Europe.
According to the US’ Energy Information Administration, France has the third largest shale gas reserves in Europe after Russia and Poland.
In addition, the Liassic shale in the Paris Basin near to the French capital could contain 100 billion barrels of oil and has comparable geology with the Bakken Shale in North Dakota.