Safe and efficient shale gas exploration and production : workshop proceedings: Amsterdam, 7-8 March 2013

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre - Energy Security Unit, in cooperation with the Directorate-General for Energy, organised an Enlargement and Integration Workshop on "Safe and Efficient Shale Gas Exploration and Production: Best available technologies and R&D projects for Europe". The workshop took place in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) on 7-8 March 2013. The main objectives of the workshop were twofold: to present and discuss ongoing and planned European research, development and demonstration projects; and to explore the interest in, and viability of a European Platform for Shale Gas Development. The participants consisted of, in equal parts, representatives from industry, geological surveys, academia and European Commission officers, involved in European unconventional oil and gas development and research. Presentations were given on European research, development and demonstration projects covering a broad spectrum of technical, social and environmental issues related to safe and efficient shale gas development in Europe. Discussions on state of the art, best practices, R&D results and gaps as well as possible needs for demonstration projects were conducted, as well as the need of bringing together industry and research representatives in a structured dialogue, sharing information, reviewing R&D needs and communicating with policy makers. This report summarises the main conclusions from the Workshop and includes the presentations that were given by the invited Speakers.