WARSAW, Poland, April 11 (UPI) -- Unconventional natural gas reserves could have a substantial economic benefit if developed responsibly, a U.S. official said in Poland.
Poland has some of the richest deposits of unconventional gas, including shale, among European countries.
Robert Cekuta, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for energy and business affairs, told a delegation in Warsaw that Washington was convinced unconventional and shale gas reserves meant good things for the global energy outlook.
"Our sense is that there needs to be informed dialogue if we are to get out ahead of potential problems in unconventional gas development," he said in a statement.
Warsaw estimates it holds as much as 3.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, lower than the 187 trillion cubic feet estimated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The country, however, said shale gas analysis carried out in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the country remains in position to become a major energy producer and that more drilling will likely reveal greater reserves.
"However, we also need to bear in mind the important reality that the development of unconventional natural gas, like the development or realization of other industrial or extractive processes, needs to be done carefully with due attention to potential downsides," said Cekuta.
Critics of shale gas development state that chemicals used in the process could contaminate drinking water. A series of small earthquakes was also attributed to shale development.
