Shale is a fine-grained, sedimentary rock formed as a result of the compaction of clay, silt, mud and organic matter over time and is usually considered equivalent to mudstone. Shales were deposited in ancient seas, river deltas, lakes and lagoons and are one of the most abundant sedimentary rock types, found at both the Earth’s surface and deep underground.Shale gas is natural gas found in shale deposits, where it is trapped in microscopic or submicroscopic pores. This natural gas is a mixture of naturally occurring hydrocarbon gases produced from the decomposition of organic matter (plant and animal remains). Typically, shale gas consists of 70 to 90 per cent methane (CH₄), the main hydrocarbon target for exploration companies. This is the gas used for generating electricity and for domestic heating and cooking.The key difference between shale oil and conventional crude is that the former, also called ‘tight oil’, is found in smaller batches, and deeper than conventional crude deposits. Its extraction requires creation of fractures in oil and gas rich shale to release hydrocarbons through a process called hydraulic fracking.

Russia and the US are among the largest shale oil producers in the world, with a surge in shale oil production in the US having played a key role in turning the country from an importer of crude to a net exporter in 2019. A number of US shale exploration firms, including Halliburton, have faced litigation from citizens living in areas adjacent to shale production sites who have claimed that hydraulic fracking has contributed to groundwater contamination .

India and shale production

• Currently, there is no large-scale commercial production of shale oil and gas in India. State-owned ONGC had, in 2013, started exploration and, by the end of FY21, assessed shale oil and gas potential in 25 nomination blocks, but has reduced investments over the past few years after only getting limited success in shale exploration efforts.
• While ONGC’s assessment found prospects of shale oil at the Cambay basin in Gujarat and the Krishna Godavari basin in Andhra Pradesh, the company concluded that “ the quantity of oil flow observed in these basins” did not indicate “commerciality” and that the general characteristics of Indian shales are quite different from North American ones.

Challenges

• In order to address the issues that the interconnected priority sectors like agriculture may encounter, a clear understanding of the amount of water used and the locations of shale gas production in India is required.
• Shale rocks are commonly found near aquifers, which are rocks that provide usable/drinking water. The shale fluid used in fracking could potentially reach aquifers, causing methane poisoning of groundwater used for drinking and agriculture. Contamination can be controlled to some extent by keeping a safe distance between aquifers and shale gas fracture zones.
• The guideline, on the other hand, makes no mention of the characteristics of the barrier that can separate and protect groundwater. To avoid uncertainty on the side of the extraction agencies, the government must provide specifics.
• The recycling and leakage difficulties related with the flowback water, which is frequently methane-contaminated, are another hurdle posed by the fracking process.
• The recommendation fails to provide any significant treatment or acknowledge the rise in flowback water caused by repeated shale gas extraction from a well over time.
• Agriculture in India is primarily reliant on groundwater. Fracking techniques implemented without input, particularly on ‘water consumption policy,’ may result in greater difficulties such as water stress, groundwater contamination, and related health risks (like- dysentery, cholera, poisoning etc).
• Along with all of the other obstacles associated with the extraction process, the concerns of land availability and competent workforce should be addressed.

For a fast-growing economy like India, shale gas could be a viable option for meeting expanding energy demands. Domestic shale gas can help India meet its expanding energy demands while also lowering its reliance on costly energy imports. However, in order to build a viable shale gas exploration potential in India, the government must completely regulate the fracking process. A sector-specific EIA guidebook on unconventional hydrocarbon resource development and production could be a good place to start.

How to structure:

1. Give an introduction about shale gas
2. Give a feasibility analysis whether shale gas can be produced in India or not. If yes, mark these areas
3. Mention the advantages and disadvantages
4. Conclude

Reference:

1. https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/recognising-the-role-of-tribal-communities-in-indian-independence-101636898590636.html