Surface level challenges for shale gas development in Europe; A regulatory perspective

The purpose of the paper is to survey the regulatory issues affecting unconventional gas development in Europe. By analyzing key surface-level challenges for onshore exploitation of conventional hydrocarbons, the study will highlight the regulatory gaps in need of attention should the technically recoverable `shale' gas resource base be deemed economically viable. Key `surface-level' issues to be addressed include the management of water used for hydraulic fracturing, the licensing and mineral rights regime as well as the regulations addressing surface disturbance and land use (e.g. zoning restrictions, nature reserves, noise/visual impacts, etc).