Ukraine is actively developing its shale gas extraction sector, focusing efforts on attracting private investors and technological partners. Special attention is being paid to the western regions, particularly the Lviv-Volyn region and the “Oleska” shale block, which is estimated to contain 0.8–1.5 trillion cubic meters of gas.
This is reported by Business • Media
Seeking Investments and Technologies for Shale Gas Development
The Ministry of Energy of Ukraine is utilizing diplomatic resources to find investment funds for drilling financing and to attract leading international companies. During the energy forum in Azerbaijan, government representatives presented Ukraine as a potential center for shale gas extraction. Key geological zones were identified where the implementation of hydraulic fracturing technology (fracking) is possible, particularly the border area with Poland and the promising “Olesky” block.
Ukraine has already conducted experimental tests that “confirm its potential” for fracking. However, this requires investments and foreign equipment.
Advantages and Environmental Risks of Fracking
According to the company “Ukrgazvydobuvannya”, the implementation of hydraulic fracturing methods significantly increases gas extraction efficiency and provides access to previously unreachable reserves. However, the development of this technology raises significant environmental concerns. The extraction of wells in the “Olesky” block requires as much water as the city of Ivano-Frankivsk uses in three years. Additionally, the used water becomes toxic waste that remains in underground layers and poses a risk of groundwater contamination.