The Stream, March 31: Energy and Water

A British energy company has begun drilling for shale gas in Lancashire, UPI reports. Great Britain’s hydraulic fracking debut raises more questions about the future of shale gas extraction in Europe.

Reuters gives a breakdown of the energy issues facing the United States. The country plans to decrease its oil imports by one-third in a little more than a decade, and break ground on at least four commercial-scale cellulosic or advanced biofuel plants in the next two years.

Chile has rebounded from the devastating earthquake a year ago, but a prolonged drought is putting strains on hydropower production and forcing the country to rely on more expensive fossil-fuel energy. What will Chile’s energy portfolio look like in 10 years, when the country expects to have doubled its electricity generation?

Meanwhile, Nepal has announced a $275 million plan to end its energy crisis within five years, BBC reports. Among other measures, the country will build thermal power plants and create tax breaks for investors building hydroelectric facilities.

The Wall Street Journal revisits Lake Mead, as heavy rain and snow this past winter have raised the water levels but failed to solve the reservoir’s acute water shortages.

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