Shell prepared to clarify shale gas plans to Ukrainians
KHARKIV. Feb 21 (Interfax) - Shell is prepared to clarify its plans to Ukrainian citizens concerned about the impact of shale gas production, the head of Shell in Ukraine, Graham Tiley, told a press conference in Kharkiv.
"In a democratic country like Ukraine, everybody is entitled to express their point of view, including by protests, and I respect that right. We for our part are committed to meeting with those who are concerned for any reason, and explain our plans from the point of view of logic and the facts," Tiley said, when asked whether the company would drop its plans to produce shale gas in the region if protests by local residents continue.
Tiley said environmental work safety has been and would remain a priority for Shell, including when it develops the Yuzovska section in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.
He said actual work at Yuzovska would not begin "until we have completed an exhaustive analysis of all ecological, social and health aspects of the project," he said. The results of this analysis will be used to minimize potential risks and locate future wells.
"A decision on the location of future wells has not yet been reached. We aren't planning to start an extensive drilling campaign at Yuzovska soon. The initial exploration program includes seismic surveying to obtain data, and drilling 15 wells in the next few years," he said.
Ukraine signed a 50-year production-sharing agreement for Yuzovska with Shell on January 24.