The Joint Research Centre published a report which shows that following extraction of unconventional gas in the US, greater supplies of liquefied natural gas have become available at global level, indirectly influencing EU gas prices. The study also suggests that future shale gas production in Europe could help the EU maintain its dependency on energy imports at around 50% of its total energy needs.

According to a study published by the Joint Research Centre, greater supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) have become available at global level, indirectly influencing EU gas prices. The reason behind this availability is an increase of extraction of unconventional gas in the US. The study also suggests that under a best case scenario, taking into account environmental considerations, future shale gas production in Europe could help the EU maintain its dependency on energy imports at around 50% of its total energy needs. But the report also reveals the sometimes considerable uncertainty about recoverable volumes, technological developments, public acceptance and access to land and markets. In February 2009, MEPs already stressed that sufficient liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity was needed.

A second report also published by the European Commission's JRC, shows that extracting shale gas generally imposes a larger environmental footprint than conventional gas development. Risks of surface and ground water contamination, water resource depletion, air and noise emissions, land take, disturbance to biodiversity and impacts related to traffic are deemed to be high in the case of cumulative projects. A third report also published by the JRC which examines climate impacts shows that shale gas produced in the EU causes more green house gas emissions than conventional natural gas produced in the EU, but – if well managed – less than imported gas from outside the EU.

The studies published will inform ongoing work examining the need for a risk management framework for shale gas developments in Europe and, if necessary, the form it might take. Although the Commission will hold discussions with Member States and will organise a public consultation with stakeholders on this topic, it remains neutral as regards Member States decisions' concerning their energy mix. The Commission announced that it will oversee compliance with EU legal requirements, and ensure that an appropriate framework to enable sustainable shale gas extraction is in place.