Shale Gas Development In China Research Articles

Differentiation and quantification of pore-fracture structures in marine and transitional shales

Marine shales are the primary targets for commercial shale gas development in China, while transitional shales represent a significant exploration potential. Understanding the pore and fracture structures in these shales is crucial for China's shale gas resource strategy. This study systematically analyzes the development characteristics of pores and fractures in marine and transitional shales. Using the hysteresis loops from low-temperature N2 adsorption–desorption curves, combined with previous classifications of pore morphology, the “visual slope” parameter is proposed to differentiate and quantify the proportions of pores and fractures. The visual slope correlates with pore and fracture distribution: higher values indicate a dominance of pores, while lower values indicate a prevalence of fractures. When the visual slope is <0.4, fractures dominate; between 0.4 and 0.8, both pores and fractures are well developed; and >0.8, pores are more prevalent. Marine shales typically exhibit higher visual slopes, indicating well-developed pores and fractures, whereas transitional shales show lower slopes, reflecting fracture dominance. Further analysis of the controlling factors revealed that both burial depth and thermal maturity negatively impact the development of micropores and mesopores in both shale types, while total organic carbon has a positive influence, depending on the type of organic matter. In marine shales, the high quartz content, as a brittle framework mineral, promotes macropore development. Pyrite contributes positively to pores and fractures development across various scales due to its irregular crystal growth, which facilitates intercrystalline pores formation, and postgrowth crystal disintegration, which creates larger mold pores. While clay typically hinders pores and fractures development in marine shales, they promote pore and fracture formation in the more clay-rich transitional shales.

Challenges to sustainable large-scale shale gas development in China

China’s shale gas production has grown annually by 21% since 2017 with long-term national energy strategy calling for continued expansion. This large-scale shale gas development is challenged by constraints on water supply. It requires over 6,000 new wells to be drilled within the Yangtze River Basin in South China—one of China’s most populated regions with sensitive ecological and geological conditions, posing significant environmental threats to the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Hydraulic fracturing-induced seismicity also adds to the existing earthquake risk for the Sichuan/Chongqing region. These potential negative impacts challenge both China’s and the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. We explore China’s current shale gas operations in the Yangtze River Basin and their interaction with the environment from these multiple perspectives. We then suggest future improvements to practice that will promote sustainable development to jointly satisfy China’s burgeoning energy needs. We conclude that China’s shale gas industry would benefit from an innovation ecosystem that involves companies and research institutions, and that there is an urgent need to implement environmental regulations for shale gas extraction.

Coordinated development of shale gas benefit exploitation and ecological environmental conservation in China: a mini review

The large-scale development and utilization of shale gas is significant for achieving the “Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality” goals. However, addressing the ecological environmental challenges stemming from extensive hydraulic fracturing is imperative. Drawing from the successful exploration and development of shale gas in the Sichuan Basin, this paper employs a bibliometric approach and utilizes the Web of Science database as its data source to review the impact of shale gas development on the ecological environment. Furthermore, effective strategies for achieving coordinated development of shale gas benefit exploitation and ecological environmental conservation in China are identified. The findings highlight that the ecological impact of shale gas development has been a major focus of research over the past decade, primarily involving concerns such as water resources consumption, groundwater pollution, methane emissions, and waste management. These challenges can be addressed by adopting measures such as responsible water usage, maintaining well integrity, proper storage and disposal of fracturing flowback fluids, and appropriate management of drilling solid waste. The key to achieving green and efficient shale gas development in China lies in constructing a solid theoretical framework for benefit exploitation, refining environmental management standards and regulations, and promoting the development of clean production technologies specific to shale gas. Additionally, establishing a distinct exploration and development theory and fostering technical innovation for deep shale gas (buried depth > 3500m) are pivotal for enhancing and stabilizing production in China. Clarifying the theoretical logic of benefit development and improving the environmental protection law of shale gas development are of great significance for realizing the scale benefit development of shale gas and the harmonious development of ecological environment in China.

How trust in government relates to public attitudes toward shale gas development in China

Public trust in government influences public attitudes toward the development of new technology. However, research conducted to assess the relationship has been done primarily in Western-style democracies. This research examines how public trust in the Chinese government is related, directly and indirectly, to public attitudes toward shale gas development. An online survey of a large convenience sample of Chinese residents (n = 1361) was conducted in 2022 in five provinces where shale gas extraction and/or exploration are occurring. We found that trust in central government has a direct positive association with the perceived benefits and risks of shale gas development. Respondents with higher trust in central and provincial government are more likely to express support shale gas development. There is also a statistically significant indirect positive association with support for shale gas development via greater perceived benefits, yet we did not find a statistically significant indirect effect of trust on support for shale gas development through perceived risks. The results are interesting because in China the government and the shale gas industry are more closely connected than they are in Western-style democracies and the environmental movement in China is at an early stage of development. Future research should examine how attitudes in China evolve as the scale of the shale gas industry grows and the environmental movement grows.

Water footprint of shale gas development in China in the carbon neutral era

Water footprint of shale gas development in China in the carbon neutral era

Evolution History of Overpressured and Normally Pressured Shale Gas Reservoirs in Wufeng Formation–Longmaxi Formation, Sichuan Basin, China: An Analysis from the Perspective of Source and Seal Coupling Mechanism

Among the shale gas fields in the Sichuan Basin, the Fuling, Changning, and Weiyuan fields with Wufeng Formation-Longmaxi Formation as the target formation have made significant contributions to the shale gas industry in China. However, several other areas in the basin which have witnessed gas flow from wildcat wells have not realized commercial development. In this study, we analyzed the Wufeng Formation–Longmaxi Formation shale gas reservoirs from the perspective of a coupling mechanism of source and seal, by considering three aspects, including the characteristics of source and cap rocks, evolution history of the source rock–reservoir caprock, and the differential enrichment of shale gas. The results indicate the following: (1) The occurrence of the regional caprock (Triassic gypsum-salt) determines the distribution of overpressured and normally pressured shale gas reservoirs. In addition, the erosion of the caprock and its integrity control the gas content and cost-efficiency of the normally pressured shale gas reservoirs. (2) For the overpressured reservoirs, the thickness of the siliceous and carbonate-bearing siliceous shales in the WF2-LM4 graptolite zone determines the gas content and producibility of the lower shale gas layer. In terms of the upper layers, the structural form plays a critical role. Generally, gas reservoirs in the upper layers that occupy the higher part of an anticline are more favorable, whereas those in a syncline or monocline exhibit poor productivity. (3) For the normally pressured shale gas reservoirs with poor caprock integrity, the enrichment and the commercial value of the gas depend mostly on the thickness of the WF2-LM4 graptolite zone. Therefore, we conclude that the areas near the core of synclines are more favorable and structurally stable, with relatively high formation pressure and moderate burial depths. Our findings can improve sweet spot prediction and offer valuable guidance for shale gas development in China and globally.

Sustainable development index of shale gas exploitation in China, the UK, and the US

Sustainable development index of shale gas exploitation in China, the UK, and the US

Domestic water pollution cost of shale gas exploitation in China: An empirical study with Averting Behavior Theory

Domestic water pollution cost of shale gas exploitation in China: An empirical study with Averting Behavior Theory

Geochemical and Geological Characterization of Upper Permian Linghao Formation Shale in Nanpanjiang Basin, SW China

The Upper Permian Linghao Formation shale is the most potential shale gas exploration target in Nanpanjiang Basin. In this study, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, CH4 isothermal adsorption, and nuclear magnetic resonance cryoporometry are intergrated to reveal comprehensive characterization of Linghao Formation shale collected from a well in Nanpanjiang Basin. Results indicate that organic-rich shales developed in the Ling 1 member and the lower part of Ling 3 member. The organic-rich shales are predominantly characterized by kerogen type I, with a relatively highly mature to overmature status. The Ling 1 organic-rich shale mainly consists of mixed shale lithofacies, and the organic-rich shale in the lower part of Ling 3 is mainly composed of argillaceous shale. The pore volume in Ling 1 organic-rich shale is mainly contributed by 3- to 6-nm and 8- to 11-nm organic pores. The pore volume of Ling 3 organic-rich shale is mainly contributed by 2- to 3-nm and 4- to 11-nm organic pores. The organic pores between 3 and 10 nm also have a small contribution to the pore volume. The absolute adsorption gas content of Ling 1 and Ling 3 organic-rich shale is 1.21 m3/t and 1.64 m3/t, respectively. The absolute adsorption gas content of Ling 1 and Ling 3 organic-rich shale exceeds the minimum standard for commercial shale gas development in China (1.0 m3/t). According to the adsorption gas ratio of 50%, the total gas content of Ling 1 and Ling 3 organic-rich shale can reach 3.28 m3/t and 2.28 m3/t, respectively. It is suggested that the Upper Permian Linghao Formation shale in the Nanpanjiang Basin has a significant potential for shale gas exploration.

Comprehensive characterization and evaluation of deep shales from Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation by LF-NMR technology

Comprehensive characterization and evaluation of deep shales from Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation by LF-NMR technology

Water Footprint of Shale Gas Development in China in the Carbon Neutral Era

Water Footprint of Shale Gas Development in China in the Carbon Neutral Era

A comparative study of Chinese and American public perceptions of shale gas development

This paper examines public perceptions of shale gas development in China and the United States. Public perceptions are important, as they are known to influence public policy at national and local levels of government in both multi-party and single-party governance systems. Online surveys were conducted in several states/provinces in each country, the US survey in 2014 (N = 2833); the China survey in 2016 (N = 1571). Similar survey instruments were used in both countries. The survey results show that the reported levels of public support for shale gas development among Chinese respondents in select provinces are significantly higher than that among US respondents in the states included in this study. Perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of shale gas have both similarities and differences. Shale gas is perceived favorably in both samples because it is seen as a way to reduce dependence on foreign energy suppliers and strengthen the economy. The potential environmental advantages appear to be relatively more important to Chinese respondents than to American respondents. The statement “shale gas development is good for the environment because it substitutes dirty energy such as coal and oil” is seen as “Extremely important” by 54.23% of all Chinese respondents but by only 33.75% of American respondents. When it comes to the potential disadvantages of shale gas development, concerns about impacts on drinking water quality are important in both samples. Earthquakes related to shale gas is the second most important concern to Chinese respondents but a lesser concern to US respondents. We argue that the results are consistent with risk experiences, a variety of socio-cultural theories, and differences in media coverage in the two countries. Future work should examine how public perceptions in the two countries change over time, and how the stances of environmental groups, government, and industry may influence public opinion.

Shale gas: Will it become a new type of clean energy in China? — A perspective of development potential

Shale gas: Will it become a new type of clean energy in China? — A perspective of development potential

Environmental Management of Shale Gas Development in China: Status and Challenges

Shale gas, as a clean energy, can save and substitute for a lot of coal and oil resource, reduce carbon emissions and further improve ecological environment. However, gas shale exploration has led to cause environmental issues such as air pollution, water pollution and ecological destruction etc., Through the method of literature study, social investigation and systematic analysis, the main challenges for the shale gas exploitation were studied, including the research on environmental impact of the shale gas development is not deep enough, pollution control technologies are still immature, and development techniques for deep shale gas aren’t master yet. The environmental management practices of shale gas development were systematically sorted out. First, strengthening basic research and key technologies tackling. Second, optimizing development planning and sequence of shale gas, promoting strategic environmental impact assessment and planning environmental impact assessment, the third, clarifying the management ideas and system of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strengthen EIA supervision. The main problems still to be solved in the environmental protection of shale gas development, advices on both technical and management will be proposed, and it will offer experience for the shale gas exploring in China.

Shale gas production in China: A regional analysis of subsidies and suggestions for policy

Shale gas production in China: A regional analysis of subsidies and suggestions for policy

Shale gas development in China: Implications for indoor and outdoor air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

Shale gas development in China: Implications for indoor and outdoor air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

Water use for shale gas development in China’s Fuling shale gas field

Water use for shale gas development in China’s Fuling shale gas field

An integrated assessment system for shale gas resources associated with graptolites and its application

An integrated assessment system for shale gas resources associated with graptolites and its application

Tradeoffs in water and carbon footprints of shale gas, natural gas, and coal in China

Tradeoffs in water and carbon footprints of shale gas, natural gas, and coal in China

Reflections and suggestions on the development and engineering management of shale gas fracturing technology in China

Reflections and suggestions on the development and engineering management of shale gas fracturing technology in China