Presidential decree trumps common sense and economic reality:
From the BBC: H/T David Vance
French President Francois Hollande has again ruled out exploration for shale gas during his presidency.
The comments come as a French court was due to examine an appeal against a government ban on “fracking”.
France has some of the most plentiful reserves of shale gas in Europe, but there are objections to shale exploration on environmental grounds.
“As long as I am president, there will be no exploration for shale gas in France,”
Mr Hollande told French TV.
France’s top court was this week due to examine a challenge to the ban on fracking – the process by which shale gas is released – by Schuepbach Energy, which held two exploration permits that were cancelled when the law was passed in 2011.
Supporters of drilling for shale gas say it would help boost the ailing French economy, and they point to the example of the United States where the shale revolution has led to a fall in gas prices.
Tallbloke's Talkshop 
Good news for Russia and Qatar.
Francois Hollande is SO unpopular in France he is clutching at straws to regain some popularity, he might gain a few points with this because just about every French person I’ve spoken to believes the negative press about fracking AND as it’s successful in the U.S.A. some feel that it’s not for La France; however with the looming financial implosion of the Euro due to the crass stupidity of economic policy by the commissioners in Brussels which may well happen on his watch may well force him into a sudden reversal of policy, truly he is a small town mayor completely out of his depth.
He also won’t allow full sunday opening but is happy to support greenpeace in the closure of nuclear power stations. Socialists are idiots.
Now where have I heard something like that before? – Ah yes, “There will be no carbon tax as long as I am Prime minister”…
the irrational agenda of the enviro-extremists on display.
Oooops, hit enter too fast.
Also, the eery similarity between M. Hoolande and Peter Sellers is amazing!
But the French have a cunning(?) plan – get shale gas from Algeria.
(in French, but Google translate says:)
‘France and Algeria will soon sign an agreement allowing French research on Algerian territory in the field of exploitation of shale gas.’
http://www.lepoint.fr/science/gaz-de-schiste-batho-contredit-fabius-21-12-2012-1605094_25.php
He has to due to a pre-election agreement with the Econut movement. Their votes for a number of concessions. Now that they have him over a barrel due to his immense unpopularity he had to react to a statement made by one of his government members that they were thinking of expropriating mineral rights in order to mine shale gas/oil
Looks like he went bee keeping without protective head gear. Or perhaps he’s come into contact with some chemicals. Didn’t a Ukrainian president have a similar problem not that long ago ?
Anyway, either they Frack or they Nucleate. As not even the French watermelons can produce sufficient hot air to power the nations electric generators.
France hasn’t said they are abandoning nuclear energy. Far from it. So why would they want to get everyone involved in the (probably) very expensive business of shale gas?
When Centrica announces even vertical well test results in the Bowland to back up their claim of huge, producible gas shale resources, AND even a vague cost of drilling, completion and infrastructure, we’ll be humbled. Not, in my opinion, by the vastness of good fortune blessed upon smart CEOs and a Nation steered by God, but by how easily we were excited by words without substance behind them.
A colleague worked the Paris Basin for shale gas. She’s not doing it now because it was so obvious and cheap.
Nukes: how France will provide electricity to the rest of eco-green mad Europe.
The Invisible Hand is going to squeeze the French, too, till the pips squeak. Pass the Cracker Jacks!
I had a lengthy discussion with my neighbours (french) last night about Hollandes declaration. They have absolute belief in France. Quote “we have been done before and have bounced back, we can do it again without cheap energy”.
France hasn’t said they are abandoning nuclear energy. Far from it. So why would they want to get everyone involved in the (probably) very expensive business of shale gas?
Doug, where did this come from? Hollande thought he needed the green vote to get into power and so, he struck an agreement with the green lunies to close several nuclear central and has already announced one closure. However, the loss of 500 jobs as a result, has brought the syndicat out in force against him. He is completely befuddled now because he has no idea where to turn. He has lost popularity with the left and the centre because of his green policies.
Doug Proctor says:
July 15, 2013 at 11:52 pm
Your post has confused this wisened old man.
Latest sondage on Hollande: Left wing company 30% centre company 23%. He is in trouble no matter which one you choose and our local elections are next year.
Frakking works everywhere it is tried.
It is annoying that the eco-extremists seem to be unable to learn anything. Instead they jsut recycle their lies and deceptions…profitably, I might add.
Thats straight out of the ‘Let them eat Cake’ playbook, but at least she was Austrian, I wonder what his excuse could be 🙂
In other words, as soon as there is exploration for shale gas in France, Monsieur François Gérard Georges Nicolas Hollande would resign from presidency, would he?
Banning geological exploration is the modern equivalent of medieval book burning
Never mind, I expect that once the true state of the French economy is made public, fracking will begin apace – as in the UK.
As for Hollande, he will be consigned to the scrap heap of history, along with a whole tranche EU finance technocrats.