Chevron to Proceed with Drilling for Shale Gas in Romania

Chevron intends to start the process for drilling for shale gas in the area of Barlad by the second half of this year.

This will be the first drilling conducted on Romanian territory in order to evaluate shale gas deposits in the Barlad area.

According to the recently released report by the US group, "the drilling of a horsting shaft is planned for the second half of 2013." The company will also start the acquisition of 2-D seismic surveys for the three perimeters in Constanta county for which Chevron owns the exploration and exploitation rights.

On February 6th, Tom Holst, Chevron Country Manager for Romania, said that the company was in the process of obtaining the necessary authorizations in order to begin the evaluation procedure for the deposits in Vaslui and Constanta counties. Holst did not specify however the exact date when shale gas exploitation is to begin.

Chevron also recently received planning permits for three shale gas exploration wells from the local authorities in Vaslui county, where the company has a 1.6 million acre concession.

"Chevron continues to work with the Romanian government to permit and execute activities within concession areas. All of Chevron's activities have, and will continue to be conducted in compliance with Romania laws, EU Requirements and stringent industry standards," declared Sally Jones, Chevron External Communications Advisor.

The move follows a shift in the attitude towards shale gas exploration by Romania's ruling centre-left coalition in power. The government of Prime Minister of Victor Ponta had intially had slammed the previous centre-right  government's decision to grant Chevron and other groups concessions to prospect for shale gas.

Ponta recently said he was in favor of exploration for shale gas, and that it should be approached in a "serious, positive way."

Silviu Molnar