Evaluation of socioeconomic impacts on and risks for shale gas exploration in China

Abstract

The remarkable growth of shale gas production in the U.S. has given rise to increasing interest in the exploration of shale resources in other areas of the world, especially in China. This study focuses on analyzing the socioeconomic impacts of China's nearly six years' shale exploration and in the process of exploitation practices. Findings reveal that China's shale gas resource potential is unconfirmed and its contribution to improving the structure of energy consumption is limited. The plans for shale gas exploration and development reflect the desire to achieve quick success and instant benefits despite a lack of long-term strategy. The exploitation of shale gas remains a pollute first, pay later model, which brings many ecological and environmental risks. To accelerate the progress of shale gas exploration, China should formulate a long-term plan and strengthen basic technology research into shale gas exploitation. Moreover, the strength and breadth of government incentives must be expanded, and water resources should be reasonably allocated during shale gas exploitation.