The development of shale gas in Europe could add as many as 1 million jobs to the economy, make industry more competitive, and decrease the region’s dependence on energy imports, according to a recently released study commissioned by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP). The research, carried out by independent consultancies Poyry Management Consulting and Cambridge Econometrics, has quantified for the first time how much Europe’s economy could benefit from shale gas production, which could add a total of €1.7-3.8 trillion to the economy during 2020-50. “Europe is still in a period of difficult economic and social recovery. This new study shows that shale gas production could have significant economic benefits,” said Roland Festor, OGP’s European Union affairs director, adding that while it may not be a “game changer” as in the US, “shale gas development in Europe could take full advantage of the lessons learned.” […]