Wybrane aspekty środowiskowe i technologiczne związane z rozpoznaniem i wydobyciem gazu ziemnego z łupków

The aim of the paper is to characterize potential emissions from shale gas extraction with emphasis on carbon dioxide and methane in connects of achieving EU reduction targets. Poland is on the verge of an energy revolution due to potential exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons, mainly shale gas. This paper assess impact of shale gas extraction in the context of European climate policy. However European Commission pressure member countries to adopt more ambitious reduction targets in recent years we can observe a slowdown in improvements to EU air quality law. Shale gas boom in USA provided low-price natural gas which has had great impact on U.S. power sector. Since 2008 many coal power plants have been closed (coal’s share of annual generation has declined from 48% to 36%) which has led to a 13% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Lawmakers have to consider whether shale gas extraction in Europe could have benefits in reducing GHG emissions..