Chevron has started drilling its first exploratory well in search of shale gas in Romania.
The US energy major was forced to delay exploration for shale gas in the concessions it owns in the east of the country because of protests, but confirmed to newswires that drilling activities have started near the village of Silistea.
The drilling rig is expected to reach a target depth of 4000 m and Chevron expects exploration work in Romania to last for up to five years.
The firm says that shale gas discoveries could have a significant impact on European energy security and would also bring economic benefits to Romania.
In 2010 Chevron was awarded three onshore concession blocks in southeast Romania and the following year was awarded a further concession area in the northeast. The four blocks cover an area of approximately 9000 km2.
Chevron is also exploring for shale gas in Poland and Lithuania.
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