Poland's gas giant PGNiG says it has signed an agreement with Chevron to jointly hunt for shale gas in southwestern Poland in a move to speed up the exploration.
Dependent on Russian imports, Poland wants to diversify its energy sources and is placing hopes in its reportedly sizeable shale gas deposits. Warsaw is also urging the European Union to develop a joint energy system and decrease reliance on Russia.
PGNiG spokeswoman Dorota Gajewska said Monday the companies will jointly assess gas deposits in their areas of operation and will exchange geological information, which is vital for choosing exploration sites. Such information is scarce in Poland, due to the small number of exploratory wells.
The companies say cooperation will help cut their costs and risks.