ICIS: French opposition to shale gas ‘might melt’ - ministry

A representative of France's ministry of economy, technology and industry said on Wednesday that he is optimistic that the current ban on shale gas exploration will be lifted in the coming years, as the country takes its lead from other European countries.

Speaking at the Energy Exchange - hosted European Unconventional Gas Summit 2013, in Vienna, Serge Catoire - the ministry's director - said that France remains in a "contemplative stage" with regards to shale development, but that it will follow the evolution of technologies elsewhere.

"The future will be influenced by these technologies. For now, the [shale gas] situation is frozen in France. We will look elsewhere. We hope that what is frozen might melt," Catoire said.  MORE