Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Oil Shale Country Notes

France

Oil shale was irregularly exploited in France between 1840 and 1957 but at its highest (1950), output only reached 0.5 million tonnes per year of shale. During its 118 year life, the Government imposed taxes and duties on foreign oil, thus preserving the indigenous industry.

In 1978 it was estimated that the in-place shale oil resources amounted to 7 billion barrels.