SUSTAINABILITY OF SHALE GAS COMPARED TO OTHER ENERGY FUELS

Karel Nedvěd

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Although there have been several studies evaluating the potential impact of shale gas, there are still on-going concerns and debate about the environmental risks and uncertainties associated with shale gas extraction and exploitation. In the meantime, there is to date little information on the sustainability of shale gas compared with other energy fuel sources. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the sustainability of shale gas with other energy fuels including natural gas, coal and nuclear energy and to examine the economic potential of shale gas for Europe. The developed sustainability indices for each energy fuel considered showed that shale gas is less sustainable when compared to nuclear energy or conventional natural gas. This is mainly caused by higher emissions release during upstream processes and the associated risk of health problems. The analysis however showed that when compared to coal shale gas is a much more sustainable alternative. Coal is from the sustainability perspective the worst option across all energy sources. Potential benefits of shale gas development in Europe are significant. These include job creation, GDP contribution, lower energy prices, reduced EU import dependency and consequently the overall competitiveness of the European region. However, before Europe sees any significant production in shale gas many developments have to take place. Governments have to send positive signals to potential investors by investing in research and development as further exploration and appraisal of the shale gas resources have to be carried out. Further research is also needed to fully understand the impact of shale gas on the environment, communities, health and welfare.

Abstract:

Although there have been several studies evaluating the potential impact of shale gas, there are still on-going concerns and debate about the environmental risks and uncertainties associated with shale gas extraction and exploitation. In the meantime, there is to date little information on the sustainability of shale gas compared with other energy fuel sources. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the sustainability of shale gas with other energy fuels including natural gas, coal and nuclear energy and to examine the economic potential of shale gas for Europe. The developed sustainability indices for each energy fuel considered showed that shale gas is less sustainable when compared to nuclear energy or conventional natural gas. This is mainly caused by higher emissions release during upstream processes and the associated risk of health problems. The analysis however showed that when compared to coal shale gas is a much more sustainable alternative. Coal is from the sustainability perspective the worst option across all energy sources. Potential benefits of shale gas development in Europe are significant. These include job creation, GDP contribution, lower energy prices, reduced EU import dependency and consequently the overall competitiveness of the European region. However, before Europe sees any significant production in shale gas many developments have to take place. Governments have to send positive signals to potential investors by investing in research and development as further exploration and appraisal of the shale gas resources have to be carried out. Further research is also needed to fully understand the impact of shale gas on the environment, communities, health and welfare.

Keywords

coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, sustainability indicators, shale gas development, sustainability index

Keywords

natural gas, nuclear energy, sustainability indicators, shale gas development, coal, sustainability index

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 14. 1. 2015

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: PhDr. Oldřich Ludwig Dittrich, MPH Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Master programme / field:
Economics and Management / Economics and Management