Shale Gas – A Possible Bridge toward Sustainable Energy Futures?

The Shale Gas project at IIASA examined whether shale gas could contribute to the transformation towards sustainability. Assessing the technological, economic, social, and environmental issues involved, the project conducted a systems analysis of future opportunities and barriers to incorporating shale gas into energy systems.

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Overview

Natural gas is the “cleanest” of fossil fuels; not only does it produce only half the carbon dioxide emissions of coal per kilowatt-hour, its combustion results in almost no particulate air pollution. Because of these qualities it has been suggested that it could form an important “bridge”; from the carbon-intensive energy sources we currently rely on, to the low-carbon future we need.

Extraction of shale gas—natural gas trapped in shale rock formations—only became economically feasible recently, through technological advances such as hydraulic fracturing, also known as “fracking.” Shale gas resources are widespread and large, according to preliminary geological assessments, and may provide some countries with more energy independence.

However, concerns remain. Some critics argue that rather than provide a “bridge” it will result in a “lock-in”, stalling progress towards a low-emissions future. Although shale gas has been widely exploited in the USA this has not been replicated elsewhere for a variety of different reasons, from geology to lack of institutional support and high population density. Furthermore, there are uncertainties associated with the environmental impacts of shale gas. High water demand, water contamination, waste water disposal, and earthquakes are all concerns. Methane losses during exploration and potential increases in emissions from flaring are also issues that are not yet well understood. Most importantly, methane—the chief component of natural gas—is a much more potent greenhouse gas that carbon dioxide. Leakage rates of 4-5% along the gas extraction-delivery chain negate the carbon benefits of gas versus coal.

IIASA research                                     

The project, which is shared across the Energy, Transitions to New Technologies, and Mitigation of Air Pollution Programs, examined five key research areas:

  • Assessments of the magnitude and uncertainty of shale gas resources around the world.
  • A technological and economic analysis of the potential role of shale gas in alternative energy systems. Using a systems analysis approach, this assessment examined possible combinations of new technologies, such as synthetic methane from renewables, carbon capture and storage, alternative transport and storage technologies, and innovations to reduce adverse environmental impacts.
  • Geopolitical considerations, such as increased energy independence for some countries.
  • Mitigating environmental impacts, such as ways to reduce water demand and reclaim waste water. 
  • Examining the economic and policy aspects of increased reliance on shale gas, such as the technological and institutional improvements of gas systems needed.

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Last edited: 29 October 2015

CONTACT DETAILS

Holger Rogner

Emeritus Research Scholar Integrated Assessment and Climate Change Research Group - Energy, Climate, and Environment Program

Nebojsa Nakicenovic

Distinguished Emeritus Research Scholar Transformative Institutional and Social Solutions Research Group - Energy, Climate, and Environment Program

Timeframe

January 2014 - December 2015

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria
Phone: (+43 2236) 807 0 Fax:(+43 2236) 71 313