Shale Gas: A Futuristic Non-conventional Energy Resource

Abstract

Global energy security is a major goal for rapid industrial progress. However, meeting the demand of energy and continuing the pace of industrial growth in future would depend on the sustainable economic development and simultaneously addressing the global climate change concerns. It is, therefore, necessary that alternate energy sources with reduced environmental footprints are discovered and developed on a commercial scale. In this scenario, shale gas could clearly be a “game-changing” resource that could transform the global energy market and contribute significantly to the national energy security of different countries. Various countries are considering the shale gas as a means to strengthen their energy security as well as an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, the unconventional shale gas is present in low permeable rock formations. The extraction and production of shale gas as an economically profitable venture had so far, been difficult, with only the United States exploiting it at large scale. With the innovations in technology, and continuous improvements and advancements in production techniques such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, shale gas is emerging as an attractive futuristic source of energy. The advanced technology has, therefore, made it possible to explore the shale reserves and its commercial extraction safe. Nonetheless, the worldwide development of shale gas-based energy production units would depend on collaboration and cooperation among different countries. The stakeholders having common energy goals can harness this futuristic energy resource after formulating a comprehensive framework that addresses various social, legal, environmental, geophysical, engineering, and technological challenges.