The View of EDF Energy on Shale Gas Production and Use

If you are interested in the UK energy politics, you might be following the EDF Energy and shale gas issue very closely. Shale gas has shaken up the entire energy industry. As a natural gas, shale gas has a reputation of being a low-carbon, coal alternative. Thus, it can play a crucial role in the transition to a more clean economy. However, it’s important to get things right first.

Despite being natural, shale gas has some risks that are associated with it. For instance, wastewater from the drilling operations is usually chemical-laden. This can cause contamination of water supplies. Methane pollution in the gas supply chain can also cause air pollution and accelerate climate change. Clearly, if these risks are not addressed in a sober manner and on time, the environment and people that live close to these developments will be exposed to serious risks. That’s why EDF Energy is advocating for a smart approach to the shale gas issue. If you have questions regarding this, you can contact EDF Energy using their customer service phone numbers: http://www.energycustomerservice.co.uk/edf-contact/

Economic benefits

extracting shale gas

In terms of the potential economic benefits of shale gas in the UK, EDF is of the view that production of shale gas will not alter the delivery path that will lead to the achievement of the 2050 GHG emission reduction goal (https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/6503). Additionally, EDF does not believe that shale gas development will have a game changer effect like it did in the U.S in terms of energy costs and gas prices. Although there has been a global increase in gas due to the U.S shale gas, EDF expects this to curb price rises instead of driving them down.

Community protection

The environmental impacts of shale gas production are mostly felt at the local levels. EDF is of the view that nobody should sacrifice their life’s quality for economic purposes. As such, EDF is engaging in gas and oil exploration and exploitation activities in different states including Pennsylvania and Texas. Currently, EDF Energy is fighting for the essence of safeguards that improve practices in the industry while requiring gas and oil companies to operate in more responsible ways.

To form a responsible part of the energy mix, natural gas must work well with the increasing renewable energy sources, not against them. When used strategically, shale gas can be crucial in the mix and that’s what EDF is advocating for.

Market considerations

EDF Energy is of the view that this gas generation will provide the largest opportunity when fitted with carbon capture and storage. That’s when the gas will have a larger market share as long as the other low carbon alternatives will be more expensive or unavailable. Therefore, it is important for the government to continue its momentum on Electricity Market Reform. Reforming the electricity market will enable the energy market to deliver a diverse energy mix that is required to meet energy policy goals. Proposals by the government should provide a framework for the investment in shale gas. This framework is very important for low-carbon investment that not only the country needs but it also helps in maintaining low costs for consumers.

Verdict

Potential production of shale gas in large volumes reinforces the importance of establishing an enduring and credible price signal to enable investors to make informed decisions. Currently, the EU emissions trading system lacks a long-term signal that is required to make relevant investments in the generation of low-carbon alternatives. Although carbon price floor introduction in the UK helps in the restoration of a signal for long-term price, it does not eliminate the need for reforming the EU ETS in Europe.

EDF Energy Gas Distribution Plant

Therefore, EDF Energy supports initiatives that will lead to finding a solution to the EU ETS defect at the European level. Additionally, it encourages their pursuance by the government. For instance, EDF agrees that UK needs to work with partners in the European Union to achieve robust agreement for the reduction of carbon dioxide at the domestic level across the European Union. This includes setting more ambitious targets for this reduction by 2020, relative to those of 1990.

Generally, the battle that EDF Energy is fighting is for the formulation of sensible policies that will curb pollution where necessary. This includes conducting scientific research with an aim of improving our understanding of shale gas, problems that are associated with it and their possible solutions.