Lithuanian Energy Institute calls for exploration of shale gas reserves

“We propose that, first of all, we find out how things stand regarding shale gas, that is, is there any gas at all and if there is, then how much, and then decide,” Arvydas Galinis, chief research associate at the LEI, told reporters on Thursday after presenting the institute’s new study on the strategic development of the Lithuanian energy sector to Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius

The Environment Ministry is planning to issue a new shale gas exploration tender. Deputy Environment Minister Daiva Matonienė has told BNS that a new tender will be announced after parliament passes a legislative package that, among other things, allows shale gas producers not to pay taxes in the first three years.

That would be a second shale gas exploration tender in Lithuania. Following more than half a year of discussions among politicians, scientists and local communities, in September 2013 the Environment Ministry recommended that the government name Chevron, the sole bidder, the winner of the first tender.

However, the US energy company said in October that it was withdrawing its bid for a shale gas exploration license in Lithuania, citing significant changes in the fiscal, legislative and regulatory environment.