Energy, Gas, Legislation, Lithuania

According to the minister, the retardation of the shale gas exploration and extraction was beneficial only for unfriendly foreign countries and that it was unfavourable for the residents of the regions and the country.

Mazuronis reminded that the competition for the shale gas exploration and extraction was announced on June 25 in 2012. It was planned to choose the most potential company (or companies) from the perspective of the finance and the technologies which would be able to invest into the shale gas exploration and extraction in Lithuania.

The competition organized by the Lithuanian Geological Survey invited all the companies of the world, however only one company decided to participate in the competition. It was the U.S. oil company Chevron.

The National Energy Independence Strategy of the Republic of Lithuania was approved by the Seimas. It was highlighted that Lithuania was to develop the shale gas exploration and extraction. According to this strategy, the shale gas exploration and extraction had to warrant the interests of the state, the owners of the land and the company.

"I am sure that the exploration and extraction of any natural resources have to be implemented without causing any damage to the nature, health and only having agreed with the local residents," said the minister.