India plans to tap shale gas reserves during 12th Plan
India is expected to start exploring for shale gas during the 12th plan (2012-17) in order to tap unconventional energy sources to meet its growing demand, Directorate General of Hydrocarbon (DGH) Director General S K Srivastava said Tuesday.
Available data suggest that six basins -- Cambay (in Gujarat), Assam-Arakan (in the North-East), Gondawana (in central India), KG onshore (in Andhra Pradesh), Cauvery onshore and Indo Gangatic basins hold shale gas potential.
He said that legislative changes are needed for shale gas exploration and simultaneous exploration of different sources like shale gas and coal bed methane is required.
Current policy allows exploration and production of conventional oil and gas and coal bed methane (CBM).
Srivastava, however, said that shale gas exploration faces several challenges such as the availability of water and vast tracts of land.
India's gas demand is likely to rise from 290 million standard cubic meters per day in 2012-13 to 470 mmscmd in 2016-17. Against this, domestic supply will increase from 124 mmscmd to 220-230 mmscmd only.
The rest of the demand has to be met by either imports or through unconventional energy sources like shale gas.