French oil major Total also said it would like to explore for shale gas in Britain.

For historical reasons Warsaw is reluctant to rely on Russian gas, although Korolec wants to explore for shale.

Government press service documents seen by Reuters said TNK-BP will explore for shale gas in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

Plans to explore for shale gas at two sites in Lancashire should be turned down, according to council officials.

DUP energy minister Arlene Foster tonight issued an order which means its licence to explore for shale gas near Belcoo has now been terminated.

Meanwhile, it has entered into a partnership with Canada's PetroFrontier Corp PFC.V to explore for shale gas in Australia, it also announced on Wednesday.

Australia's east coast, home to its major population centers, is relatively accessible from the Cooper Basin, where Beach Energy is exploring for shale gas.