Asia-Pacific Possesses Largest Technically Recoverable Shale Gas Resources Globally

Thursday 27 June 2013, Amsterdam

Global technically recoverable shale gas resources amount to an estimated 7,629 trillion cubic feet (tcf). The Asia-Pacific region is estimated to possess the largest technically recoverable shale gas resources with 2,808 tcf, or 37% of the global resources. North America, with around 25%, holds the second largest shale gas resources across the world. South and Central America accounts for around 16% of global total technically recoverable gas shale resources, equivalent to an estimated 1,225 tcf. The Middle and Africa accounts for a share of around 14%, followed by Europe with 624 tcf, or around 8% of the technically recoverable gas shale resources.
        
Argentina, Australia and Poland Emerge as Key Markets for Shale Gas Investment

Investment for shale development has been increasing in emerging countries such as Poland, Argentina, Australia, and China. Argentina made substantial investments in shale gas, amounting to around US$2.05 billion, between 2009 and March 2013. In 2010, shale gas investment in Argentina amounted to an estimated US$513.85 MM, which increased to around US$1.42 billion in 2011. The Argentinean government has also introduced the Gas Plus Program in order to support gas shale development in the country. The program allows operators involved in shale gas development to sell natural gas at a higher price.

In Australia, gas shale investment amounted to an estimated US$1.26 billion during the 2009-March 2013 period. In 2009, shale gas investment in Australia was estimated at around US$128 MM, which increased to around US$678.81 MM by 2012. At the end of March 2013, shale gas investment in the country was estimated at around US$376.01 MM.

In Poland, gas shale investment amounted to an estimated US$296.66 MM during the period 2009-March 2013. In 2009, shale gas investment was estimated at around US$21.33 MM. By 2012, shale gas investment had increased to around US$112.91 MM.

“Gas Shale Development in Emerging Countries (Poland, China, Australia, Argentina and South Africa) - Market Analysis, Industry Scenario and Key Companies” is the latest report from industry analysis specialists analyzing shale gas prospects and developments in countries beyond North America. The report provides information regarding gas shale resources, shale gas reserves, exploration, and development activities in countries such as Poland, China, Australia, Argentina, and South Africa. Shale gas development activities, which are credited with turning around the energy scenario in North America, are now being taken up in other parts of the world. Currently, some of the major destinations for shale gas exploration activities beyond North America include Poland, China, Australia, Argentina and South Africa. Among these countries, Poland is currently at the forefront of shale gas development with active exploration blocks, and licensing completed. In other countries such as Argentina, Australia and China focus is also increasing on shale gas development activities. A number of other countries are also developing plans and policies for shale gas development.