Poland Sensitive to Shale Exploration Costs

Poland will not increase charges for shale gas exploration.

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna reports that the Polish government is sensitive to the foreign capital, technology and expertise required in undertaking the costly expenditures to search for and commercialize shale gas.

Poland is worried that increased charges on exploration and production companies may discourage investment and ultimately, impact gas prices to the consumer.

In other shale gas related news, Poland’s Deputy Environment Minister Jacek Jezierski explained that though Poland has issued (62) concessions for the search for unconventional shale and tight gases, no approvals have yet been issued to extract the resources.

During Wednesday’s meeting of the Senate Economic Commission, Deputy Minister Jezierski explained, "If someone asks me about how much shale gas there is in Poland, as the Chief Geologist I say: none. Until there is geological documentation submitted and resources confirmed, there is no such gas in Poland," said Jezierski.

Gezeta.pl reports that the Senate Commission discussed shale gas exploration and extraction and planned changes in geological and mining laws, specifically with reference to shales potentially containing gas.