Prospection techniques for Oil and shale gas

Abstract

Portugal is under an intensive foreign interest in exploration for oil and shale gas. The interest is onshore and offshore. There are several contracts signed for prospection by fracking. After the developments in Algarve area in October, the focus is now on the triangle formed by Figueira da Foz, Peniche and Fatima Shrine. Citizens are divided, but many assume that knowing the endogenous energy potential can be positive to reduce external dependency, security of supply and increase exports. The main general concern is the Environmental and Social impact of the prospection based on this method. This paper presents and reflects on alternatives for the fracking technique. There are several alternatives of the fracking technique that can be considered when prospecting in populated areas, such as inside rural areas. Also, these techniques can be considered in areas with economic activities based on water consumption, such as agriculture and fishery. These techniques have greater respect for the population and their activities. The incremental costs of such alternatives are not so high that could jeopardize profits for companies. Also, these techniques don’t delay in time the projected works.