Shale Gas in Jharkhand

Context:

  • Recent Findings: A study has revealed promising potential for shale gas generation in the South Karanpura coalfield in Ramgarh district, Jharkhand. The assessment was carried out using Rock-Eval pyrolysis, a technique that evaluates the hydrocarbon content and thermal maturity of sedimentary rocks, primarily for petroleum and shale gas exploration.

Government Policies and Pilot Projects:

  • HELP Policy (2016): The Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) provides a unified framework for the exploration of all hydrocarbons, including shale gas, to attract investment and facilitate comprehensive hydrocarbon exploration.
  • ONGC Projects: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has initiated pilot projects in the Cambay Basin and the Damodar Valley Basin to assess the viability of shale gas production.
  • Other Exploration Efforts: Shale gas exploration is also being conducted in regions like the Krishna-Godavari Basin and the Cauvery Basin.

Significance of Shale Gas for India:

  1. Energy Security: Shale gas could significantly reduce India’s dependence on imported oil and gas, strengthening the country’s energy independence.
  2. Economic Growth: Exploration and extraction of shale gas could create jobs, foster technological innovation, and drive infrastructure development.
  3. Cleaner Energy Transition: Shale gas is a cleaner-burning alternative to coal, which can assist India in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable energy mix.
  4. Diversification of Energy Sources: Developing shale gas reserves would diversify India’s energy portfolio, reducing its reliance on coal and imported oil.
  5. Global Competitiveness: Shale gas development could position India competitively in the global energy market, similar to the U.S. shale gas boom.

Challenges for Shale Gas Development in India:

  1. Geological Complexities: India’s shale formations are geologically more complex and often found at greater depths than those in the U.S., making extraction more challenging and costly.
  2. Water Scarcity: The fracking process requires large volumes of water, and many shale-rich regions in India face water scarcity, complicating the extraction process.
  3. Environmental and Regulatory Issues: There are ongoing concerns over groundwater contamination and seismic activity associated with fracking. Additionally, India’s regulatory framework for shale gas exploration is still in its developmental stages.
  4. Finite Resource: Shale gas, while a cleaner alternative to coal, is still a fossil fuel, and heavy reliance on it could delay a broader shift to renewable energy sources.
  5. High Infrastructure Costs: Shale gas extraction requires significant investment in infrastructure, such as drilling rigs and pipelines, driving up production costs.
  6. Public Health Concerns: Communities living near fracking sites have reported health issues like respiratory problems and skin rashes, likely linked to the chemicals used in the fracking process.

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