Shale gas and other hydrocarbons, trapped within massive shale formations, have become an important source of natural gas and oil in the US since the start of the 21st century and interest has spread to potential gas shales across the world.
Europe now stands at having an estimated 21 trillion cubic feet, as indicated in the latest environmental impact studies by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). In 2000, shale gas resources provided less than 1% of total US natural gas production, but by 2010 shale gas accounted for over 20% and the EIA predicts that by 2035, 46% of the US’ natural gas supply will come from shale reservoirs.
Some analysts expect that shale gas will come to play an expanding role in world energy supply; potential shale gas and shale oil reservoirs in India, Romania, France, Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Russia and China are but a few countries having large estimated unconventional resources.
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