The Fast Road of Shale Gas Development in China ─Reflections on Building a Special Test Areas for National Shale Gas Development

Abstract

China’s shale gas development has had a good start. It is necessary that the developers take advantage of the opportunity to make further efforts to promote shale gas development in China, in particular by rolling out a comprehensive plan on a national level. The author makes a proposal to establish a special shale gas test area in and adjacent to the Sichuan Basin as the most important way to promote the rapid development of shale gas in China. For this purpose, the author analyzes the current situation and problems of shale gas development in China, addresses the necessity and feasibility of establishing a special test area for shale gas development, and draws up the scope of this shale gas special test area of about 450 thousand square kilometers, covering Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and part of Yunnan, Hunan, Hubei provinces, and proposes the establishment of a shale gas test area in China. This consists of an overall plan, targets, and contents in 10 aspects, along with organization and implementation modes. The shale gas exploration and development in the shale gas zones is promoted vigorously by introducing special policies and innovating exploration, development and utilization model. While at the same time, the shale gas zones of continental facies in the Ordos Basin and marineterrigenous facies in South Hubei Basin will be established. The experiences of the reform in the shale gas zones will be the good practice for the reform of petroleum organization system.