Prospects and Challenges of Shale Gas Recovery in Europe

Based on the systemic comparative analysis of data, the paper overviews economic, geologic, and environmental problems and possible impact of shale gas recovery on the air, surface and ground water and their radioactive contamination, as well as the effects on the geologic environment and seismic activity in areas of extraction, landscapes, lands, and biological resources. It has been established that considerable risks exist that cast doubt on the feasibility of shale gas recovery in Europe.