"The large-scale utilisation of shale gas would require the European Union to rethink the issue of renewable energy; this was put forward by several speakers during the informal meeting of EU environment ministers", Sándor Fazekas told MTI. The Minister for Rural Development was attending the informal meeting of European Union environment ministers in Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, current holder of the EU presidency.

According to the Minister, the most interesting issue on the agenda from Hungary's perspective related to the extraction of shale gas; these hydrocarbons could contribute to reducing the EU's, and therefore Hungary's, dependence on imports. Mr. Fazekas reminded the press of the "extraordinary value" of the natural gas treasure found in Makó, which is also classed as an unconventional hydrocarbon, because it lies at great depth, 5-7 km deep, and can only be extracted using unconventional methods.

According to Hungary's standpoint, prospecting for unconventional hydrocarbons, and especially shale gas, requires extreme care, and safe and environmentally friendly solutions must be found for their extraction. The extraction of gas found at great depths uses rock-fracturing technology (fracking), which involves injecting water and various additives into the rock at high pressure.

The Minister indicated that it is very difficult to estimate the possible environmental danger posed by the extraction of gas from great depths. As an example, he mentioned that fact that in Pennsylvania, surface water strata were polluted during the extraction of shale gas. These activities could also cause earth movements and a danger of earthquakes. At the same time, the extraction of shale gas also requires the establishment of many more wells, which brings up questions related to landscape protection and conservation, Sándor Fazekas indicated.

The Minister stressed that it would be advisable for Hungary to wait for the use of proven technologies for the extraction of shale gas. He reminded the press that Hungary has 75 years of tradition and experience with regard to the traditional extraction of hydrocarbons. The state has issues several permits for prospecting at the Makó gas field, and processes are currently underway in the area, the Minister said.

Sándor Fazekas also said that several EU member states are showing extreme caution with regard to the issue, and would like to wait for more practical data on extraction. Others are totally against fracking, with many requesting a moratorium on the issue. According to Minister Fazekas, Hungary is currently representing a neutral standpoint on the issue; it cannot take on a negative stance, because the shale gas reserves found in Hungary would be enough to supply the country with gas for centuries to come.

According to estimates, Hungarian shale gas assets total 2000 billion cubic metres, while Hungary's annual gas requirements are some 10 billion cubic metres, he emphasised. The Minister stressed that the Ministry of Rural Development was analysing the issue in detail, would be asking experts to perform the required studies, and also wishes to make use of the shale gas extraction experiences of other countries.

(MTI)