The impact of shale gas extraction on the socio-economic development of regions - an American success story and potential opportunities for Poland

The report is an attempt at a comprehensive analysis of economic and social considerations related to unconventional gas exploration and production in Poland and its individual regions. The report encompasses an impact assessment of the conventional gas production sector in Poland on local economic processes. Its findings, juxtaposed with experiences of the North American shale gas revolution, resulted in a list of possible benefits to socio-economic development of Polish regions stemming from the impact of the shale gas exploration and production sector. The present publication is a source of factual arguments which in the current, early stage of development of the shale gas sector in Poland, can be crucial for establishing a true, and thus positive, climate surrounding shale gas.