Risk Management for Unconventional Gas Extraction

European Commission is calling for tenders for a risk management framework study for unconventional gas extraction.

The EU is assessing the need for a risk management framework for unconventional gas developments, in particular: an analysis of different policy options and their environmental, social and economic impacts, as well as a legal analysis of the regulatory aspects and needs for a risk management framework for unconventional gas developments and in particular, shale gas.

The study is to:

• identify and assess relevant measures for regulating the risks from unconventional gas developments,
• prepare extended support for an impact assessment on the need and possible options for an EU risk management framework for unconventional gas as well as
• in collaboration with the Commission and where a risk management framework is deemed necessary, provide support for developing possible measures and elements of that framework.

The study is to build upon and complement – where already publicly available – earlier work of DG Environment and of other institutions and shall: 

• Further analyse regulatory aspects (gaps, suitability) for unconventional- and in particular shale gas development in existing EU legislation, including in particular legislation concerning environmental impact assessments, environmental permitting, legislation for the protection of surface and groundwater, waste legislation and air pollution legislation, legislation concerning chemicals, legislation on nature protection, on environmental liability as well as on access to information and public participation.
• Where necessary, further identify possible technical measures to address potential impacts and risks related to unconventional gas and in particular shale gas inside the EU.
• Provide an overview – for discussion with the Commission – of the different policy options (“scoping exercise”) for a possible risk management framework for unconventional gas and in particular shale gas inside the EU, addressing in particular the management of potential risks of such developments, and provide an overview on their effectiveness and efficiency. Pre-screen the feasibility of the different policy options and propose, on the basis of a common set of criteria, main options.
• Analyse the detailed environmental, social and economic impacts of the 4-5 major policy options selected by the European Commission, to support the identification of how to most optimally manage potential impacts and risks.