Unconventional Gas and the European Union: Prospects and Challenges for Competitiveness

Herman R.J. Vollebergh and Eric Drissen
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Eric Drissen: PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency

No 2014.109, Working Papers from Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei

Abstract: This article studies the likely impact of unconventional gas developments in the U.S. on EU competitiveness. We find, first of all, little evidence for a prosperous unconventional gas development in Europe. Second, the U.S. boom has already a strong impact on both world and European energy markets. In particular, lower U.S. gas and coal prices have changed relative energy prices both at home and abroad. Finally, competitiveness impacts in some (sub)sectors will be considerable. These impacts are not only related to production based on gas use as a feedstock but also on the ‘byproducts’ from unconventional gas production, such as ethylene, propane and butane. However, several indirect impacts, such as lower coal import prices, may soften the adverse competitiveness impact in the EU.

Keywords: Shale Gas; Hydrocarbon Resources; Energy Demand and Supply; Non-renewable Resources; Competitiveness Impacts; European Union (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L71 O52 Q35 Q41 Q43 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene
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Related works:
Working Paper: Unconventional Gas and the European Union: Prospects and Challenges for Competitiveness (2015)
Working Paper: Unconventional Gas and the European Union: Prospects and Challenges for Competitiveness (2014)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:fem:femwpa:2014.109

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