Overview of Current Shale Gas Exploration and Production Activities Worldwide

Abstract

Shale gas reservoirs are fine grained organic rich formations which act as source as well as reservoir rocks. Typically, shale matrix permeability is very low and requires additional stimulation treatments for economic production. This work focuses on the characteristics of shale gas reservoirs and production activities worldwide with a special focus on Germany. A brief overview of the major shale gas basins in different countries of the world is presented along with their major reservoir properties. The geology of the shale gas reservoirs is discussed in detail. Also, emphasizes has been laid on the study of the important reservoir properties of shale gas reservoirs and different methods used both in field and laboratory to measure these reservoir properties. This work provides an insight into the Hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling and the equipments used for production from shale gas reservoirs. A comparison of the different rock properties and production profiles from different shale gas reservoirs of the world is done and a table is prepared for economic production of shale gas reservoirs. Finally, the simulation of one of the Barnett shale gas well is carried out and production profile of the well is analyzed and the results are discussed.