Beyond the Fracking Ban in France

Abstract

France holds the second-largest shale gas reserves in Europe but became the first country to enact a ban on hydraulic fracturing in July 2011. A conservative government issued 64 research and exploration permits in early 2010, but half a year later a strong anti-fracking movement emerged which pushed for a ban. The government caved in to enormous political pressure, revoking three permits and limiting the rest. Once the Socialists won the presidency and legislative majorities, they reaffirmed a strict stand against fracking. The article shows how the ban developed and puts the government’s position into the context of economic and industrial challenges. The author argues that essentially, France is waiting for discovery of environmentally friendly extraction methods. The law which created the ban still leaves some options. Also, there has been growing pressure to open up the debate about shale gas again. The article suggests possible ways to reconfigure public debate about the resources and technology. Keywords: Economic policy, energy, energy policy, fracking, France, hydraulic fracturing, moratorium, natural gas, regulatory politics, shale gas, unconventional gas