Brussels briefing

Energy costs fuel fracking debate

EU householders and industry are paying more than a quarter more for their gas and electricity than in the US — a fact to be discussed by EU leaders at their summit in Brussels on Wednesday.

Shale gas has revolutionised the energy situation in the US and is about to make them an exporter of gas. But there is much debate about shale gas in Europe, where it’s reported not to be as plentiful or accessible, or acceptable to people when it comes to fracking.