Poland may start shale gas production in 2014

Mikolaj Budzanowski said Thursday that commercial production of up to 1 billion cubic meters per year could start in late 2014. He said the deposits could be up to 2 trillion cubic meters, enough for decades.

Poland is seeking to diversify its energy sources to cut dependence on Russian imports and its shale gas deposits are a major element in the plan.

U.S. Energy Information Administration has estimated the reserves at some 5.3 trillion cubic meters.

Some 20 international companies have obtained licenses to explore for shale gas.