NEW DELHI (Commodity Online): India's gas demand is likely to rise from 290 million standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) in 2012-13 to 470 mmscmd in 2016-17. and the domestic supply is expected to increase by 220-230 mmscmd, according to G C Chaturvedi, Oil Secretary.
The rest of the country's need is expected to meet through imports by the non-conventional sources like shale gas. India is planning to make its maiden entry in to the exploration of shale gas during the 12th plan period (2012-17).
The shale gas or natural gas trapped in sedimentary rocks (shale formations) below the earth's surface, is the new focus area in the US, Canada and China as an alternative to conventional oil and gas for meeting growing energy needs and now India is following the trend.
According to Chaturvedi, the availability of water and disposal will be a huge problem in shale gas exploration, reported Press Trust of India (PTI).
“Emissions from use of shale gas are higher than natural gas coal and so the environment impact too would need to be assessed.” said Sudhir Vasudeva, Chairman and Managing Director, Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC).
According to the data provide by the Directorate General of Hydrocarbon (DGH), the six basins in India having the shale gas reserves are Cambay (in Gujarat), Assam-Arakan (in the North-East), Gondawana (in central India), KG onshore (in Andhra Pradesh), Cauvery onshore and Indo Gangatic basins.
