Besson backs shale gas exploration

A drilling rig in Texas [copyright: Roy Luck]

Besson’s comments came as a bill proposed by the ruling UMP party was debated in the Senate. "It has been practised dozens of times in France without problems," Besson said. "But we must not minimalise the challenges or the risks," he added.

The minister took a controversial stance against the growing popular movement that has seen the government make a swift u-turn on the disputed hydraulic fracturation process.

Senators were unable to reach an agreement on Wednesday night during a snail-paced parliamentary session. There is fierce opposition to the UMP bill from Socialist and Green members, who believe it leaves too many open doors for energy companies to exploit natural gas reserves in the future.

The debate has been suspended until next Wednesday (8th June) and should senators fail to pass the legislation the energy companies could have their revoked ‘fracking’ permits reinstated. This could have implications for the Var department, where an exploration license for drilling outside Brignoles is currently suspended until the outcome of the senate vote.

On Wednesday the Independent suggested that recent earthquakes near the northern British seaside resort of Blackpool have been triggered by ‘experimental fracking’ in the region.

The full consequences of hydraulic fracturation process remain unknown, with the British government and the EU energy commission both brushing the issue under the carpet. At least the French have had the courage to address the issue but now they must decide whether to stick or twist in the search for energy independence.

In the June edition of The Riviera Times we investigate how close the Var is coming dangerously close to having a monster living in its backyard.

Tom Donnelly