It must be stipulated that in this actualized model the three dimensions are
interrelated. The supply of mineral resources could also be increased by a more
efficient exploitation of existing sites. Therefore better technology is needed and
economic motives can be decisive in attaining this higher efficiency. Also new
technological developments can be used for the design of more environment
friendly exploitation techniques. On the other hand those ecological techniques
generally imply an extra financial charge for the project.
As an illustration of this three-dimensional approach, the model will be applied
for the exploitation of oil and gas shale. Those resources are especially interesting
since they require very special exploitation techniques, imply relatively high
exploitation costs and undeniably have some negative effects on the environment.
Last but not least the transport of the extracted oil and gas by means of pipelines
like the Keystone XL and Dakota Access are subject to strict regulation and
jurisdiction from several administrations.
39.4 Oil and Gas Shale Exploitation
39.4.1 Political Approach
Interest in shale oil production in the US started in the mid 1970s. The aim was
achieving more independence in relation to oil import, especially after the oil
Fig. 39.2 A new three-dimensional vision
39 A Three-Dimensional Approach to Oil and Gas Shale Exploitation in the US
649
interrelated. The supply of mineral resources could also be increased by a more
efficient exploitation of existing sites. Therefore better technology is needed and
economic motives can be decisive in attaining this higher efficiency. Also new
technological developments can be used for the design of more environment
friendly exploitation techniques. On the other hand those ecological techniques
generally imply an extra financial charge for the project.
As an illustration of this three-dimensional approach, the model will be applied
for the exploitation of oil and gas shale. Those resources are especially interesting
since they require very special exploitation techniques, imply relatively high
exploitation costs and undeniably have some negative effects on the environment.
Last but not least the transport of the extracted oil and gas by means of pipelines
like the Keystone XL and Dakota Access are subject to strict regulation and
jurisdiction from several administrations.
39.4 Oil and Gas Shale Exploitation
39.4.1 Political Approach
Interest in shale oil production in the US started in the mid 1970s. The aim was
achieving more independence in relation to oil import, especially after the oil
Fig. 39.2 A new three-dimensional vision
39 A Three-Dimensional Approach to Oil and Gas Shale Exploitation in the US
649