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Evaluation of Shale Resources

• The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri R.P.N. Singh informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply today that different agencies have reported upon the Shale Gas resources in India. Energy Information Administration (EIA), United States of America (April, 2011) has reported a risked gas-in-place of the order of 293 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) with 69 TCF as recoverable in 4 Indian basins. United States Geological Survey (USGS) (January, 2012) has estimated 6.1 TCF as technical recoverable in 3 Indian basins and mention potential for shale oil/gas.

• He added that total of 6 basins namely Cambay, Krishna Godavari, Cauvery, Assam-Arakan, Indo- Gangetic & Gondwana have been identified under Phase-I for Shale Gas resource assessment based on Geological, Geophysical and Geochemical data gathered during exploration of conventional oil/gas over the years.

• Further, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) has assigned Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), Ranchi with the task of identification of areas and assessment of Shale Gas potential in Damodar and Sohagpur sedimentary basins.

• Shri Singh further said Shale Gas Policy is proposed to be announced tentatively by 31.3.2013. After announcement of Shale Gas Policy, action will be initiated to launch bidding round for exploration of Shale Gas. The Minister also said that based on the findings of studies on the potential of Shale Gas resources, the policy on Shale Gas is to be formulated after incorporating views of the concerned Ministries/Departments. So far, resource assessment for Shale Gas in 3 basing (KG, Cauvery and Cambay) has been done by.

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