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Poland, Germany and the United Kingdom are beginning to embrace an energy alternative pioneered in America: natural gas from shale deposits. Despite stiff challenges, major energy companies are gaining concessions to explore European shale reserves and use the controversial process of hydrological fracturing, or fracking. "Europe has little history or culture that supports onshore drilling, the geology is not as favorable, and there is no established oilfield services sector," says attorney Scott Schwind from the Houston office of Thompson & Knight. So while Poland has awarded some 90 licenses for shale exploration, Bulgaria recently banned the fracking process within the country's borders. But because of higher energy prices on the European market and geopolitical incentives, there are opportunities for companies to leverage their shale expertise and experience. "It's too early to say if the opportunities will translate economically, but shale development in Europe does not need to be a bonanza in order to be successful." For more information, contact Barry Pound at 800-559-4534 or barry@androvett.com.