Shale Gas
Shale gas (unconventional source of gas) is natural gas produced from shale formations unlike conventional natural gas which is produced from sand, limestone formations. Shale gas has become an increasingly important source of natural gas in the United States over the past decade, and interest has spread to Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
GAIL is actively pursuing opportunities for acquisition of Shale Gas asset in overseas countries. GAIL is preparing itself to participate actively in the Shale Gas Bidding Round which is expected to be launched by Government of India. Government of India has issued a Policy Guidelines for Exploration and Exploitation of Shale Gas and Oil by National Oil Companies (ONGC and OIL) for areas allocated under Nomination regime.
GAIL is a member of Multi Organisation Team (MOT) along with DGH (Directorate General of Hydrocarbons), ONGC and Oil India Limited (OIL).
Gas Hydrates
Gas Hydrates are ice-like crystalline compound, consisting of natural gas (mainly methane) and water. Gas hydrates are formed under high pressure and low temperature conditions, and occur in sedimentary deposits in permafrost regions and beneath the sea in outer-continental margins. One cubic meter of gas hydrate contains 164 cubic meter of natural gas.
National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP) is being coordinated by Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) for the exploration and development of gas hydrate resources. GAIL is a constituent member of NGHP. Coring / Drilling of Gas Hydrate Programme has been completed in Goa Offshore, West coast area, KG basin and Andaman Offshore. GAIL representatives actively participated during NGHP Coring / Drilling programme and in Gas Hydrate Characterization studies.
Coal Bed Methane
Coal Bed Methane (CBM) occurs within coal seams and it is generated during the process of coalification. It occurs within these seams either as free gas in fractures or in dissolved form in water.
GAIL has relinquished 3 CBM Blocks awarded to it during CBM-III bidding round as the gas content in all the three blocks was very low.
