Denmark is the latest European country to give the green light to exploratory drilling for shale gas.
It joins the UK, Romania, Spain and Poland and has, according to the organisation Shale Gas Europe, “made a sensible and balanced decision that shale gas has an important role to play in meeting its future energy requirements”.
Specifically, it is Frederikshavn City Council that has decided to allow shale gas test drilling to take place in the north of Denmark in an area known as
Nordjylland.
The mayor of Frederikshavn, Birgit Hansen, said Total’s drilling licence does not include fracking; however, this has not prevented stiff opposition from the local population.
The council’s decision is based on more than three years of research and studies conducted by Total E&P Denmark, together with state-owned Nordsofonden.
The companies have also carried out a full environmental impact assessment in the areas that they intend to drill, consisting of public hearings and consultations.
It has been reported that they will be allowed to drill a single vertical well this summer, targeting Alum shales at a depth of 4,000m.
Two licences were originally granted to the companies by the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy in June 2010 to search for and produce oil and natural gas in two regions in the north of the country.
The licences start with a six-year period dedicated to exploring the subsoil for shale gas. Production of shale gas in Denmark could possibly start around 2020.
The licences cover Nordjylland in the north and Nordsjaelland. The former is situated in the far north of Denmark while the latter comprises the hinterland to Copenhagen where aerial survey work was conducted last year.
Spokesperson for Shale Gas Europe Marcus Pepperell said: “Denmark has an extended track record of promoting a sustainable energy programme and is a global leader in the development of alternative energy. Its decision to permit exploration of its indigenous shale gas reserves follows an extended period of review and assessment.
“Europe must take a more holistic view on its urgent energy needs. Government policies in different Member States mean that Europe is not producing enough of its own energy.
“This is becoming an increasing problem, resulting in more imports from abroad, whether gas from Russia or coal from the United States. While renewables become an increasingly important part of the energy mix, fossil fuels remain essential to power our homes and factories.
Denmark, along with the UK, Spain, Poland and Romania, has made a sensible and balanced decision that shale gas has an important role to play in meeting its future energy requirements.”
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