Study on the application in relevant Member States of the Commission recommendation on minimum principles for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons (such as shale gas) using high-volume hydraulic fracturing : final report

In January 2014, the Commission adopted a Recommendation setting out minimum principles for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons (such as shale gas) using high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF). The effectiveness of the Recommendation is to be reviewed by the Commission 18 months after its publication. At present, based on available information, there is no on-going commercial production of hydrocarbons using HVHF in the EU. However, the following Member States have granted or plan to grant authorisations for the exploration or production of hydrocarbons (such as shale gas) that may require the use of HVHF, namely: Austria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom (UK). The present study supports the Commission in the review of the Recommendation's effectiveness by 1) assessing how Member States apply the principles of the Recommendation and selected EU legal requirements at the planning, licensing and permitting levels, 2) describing regulatory and non-regulatory developments in Member States after the adoption of the Recommendation and 3) gathering stakeholders' views. In addition, it gathers information on the possible cost of the measures taken as a result of the adoption of the Recommendation.