Evolution of the Indigenous European Oil and Gas Sources - Recent Trends and Issues for Consideration

This communication reviews the oil and natural gas resources, reserves and proved reserves of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). Although analysts may apply different methodologies and classifications to assess hydrocarbon deposits, the variation in reported estimates for the EU and EEA oil and gas proved reserves is relatively small. A comparative analysis of the evolution of oil and natural gas sources show that EEA holds very small and continuously declining shares of world oil and gas proved reserves, about 1% and 3% respectively. Nevertheless, conventional reserves and resources and more importantly unconventional gas resources offer a significant potential to increase the European proved reserves. This however requires the proper mapping and assessment of these sources and a rigorous research and development programme coupled with incentives for the exploitation of this untapped potential, which could play a significant role in the security of the European energy supply in the years to come.JRC.F.6-Energy systems evaluatio