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Shale Gas

Shale gas is natural gas trapped within shale rock formations, extracted through hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling techniques. The gas is held in tiny pores and fractures within fine-grained sedimentary rock, requiring specialised extraction methods that differ from conventional gas production. Shale gas has transformed global energy markets since the early 2000s, particularly in the United States, where it enabled a dramatic increase in domestic gas production and reduced energy import dependence. The resource is found in sedimentary basins worldwide, with significant deposits identified in North America, China, Argentina and parts of Africa. In South Africa, the Karoo Basin has been identified as holding potentially substantial shale gas reserves, though exploration remains contentious due to environmental concerns about water use, seismic activity and groundwater contamination. Proponents argue that shale gas could enhance energy security, provide a cleaner alternative to coal and support economic development. Opponents highlight the water-intensive nature of fracking in arid regions, the risk of methane emissions and the potential conflict with agricultural land use. The economic viability of shale gas extraction depends on factors including gas prices, drilling costs, regulatory frameworks and the availability of water and infrastructure. As countries pursue energy transition strategies, shale gas is often positioned as a bridge fuel between coal and renewable energy sources, though its role remains debated within climate policy discussions.

Shale Gas News


A shale gas project in Australia
Australia's shale players say they've learnt from mistakes made in the LNG boom
4th September 2026 By: Reuters

Developers of shale gas in Australia's Northern Territory say they plan to replicate the liquefied natural gas (LNG) boom in the State of Queensland, but without the duplication of infrastructure... 


Pipeline
Jemena plans new pipeline for Australia's Beetaloo Basin shale gas province
3rd September 2026 By: Reuters

Pipeline operator Jemena, owned by State Grid Corporation of China and Singapore Power, plans to build a new pipeline linking Australia's Beetaloo Basin shale gas province with the country's... 


Australia's Beetaloo Basin
Australia's new shale basin Beetaloo sends first gas to market
1st September 2026 By: Reuters

Developers of Australia's Beetaloo basin sent the first gas from the project north to Darwin on Tuesday in what they hope will demonstrate steady flows that can underpin wider commercialisation of... 


Beetaloo shale gas project in Australia
First gas from Australia's Beetaloo puts shale ambition to the test
21st August 2026 By: Reuters

Deep in Australia's Red Centre, gas is set to start flowing next month from the sprawling Beetaloo basin to Darwin 500 km (310 miles) north, in what developers hope kicks off the country's own... 


Australia's Northern Territory
Gas-rich Australian region backs $28bn data centre project
22nd July 2026 By: Bloomberg

Australia’s Northern Territory has granted land to a major data center project that claims it could attract A$40-billion ($28-billion) in private investment. The region’s government awarded 185... 


Santos and ConocoPhillips' Darwin operation
Australian energy exploration hits ten-year high in hunt for gas
29th June 2026 By: Reuters

Energy exploration has picked up sharply in Australia driven by growing Asian gas demand, technological advances and an improved investment climate, with the Iran war underscoring the urgency to... 


Truck in coalfield
Deep under China's coal basins, PetroChina is unlocking gas from rocks
22nd May 2026 By: Reuters

Thousands of metres below its vast coal basins, China is tapping an unconventional fuel source in a multi-billion-dollar effort to unleash new supplies of natural gas and further Beijing's goal for... 


Legislative Reform and Community Engagement: Keys to the Lock on South African Oil and Gas Exploration
Legislative Reform and Community Engagement: Keys to the Lock on South African Oil and Gas Exploration
3rd November 2025

The waters off South Africa’s west coast represent a veritable treasure trove of economic opportunity for the country, considering that its majority share of the Orange Basin — the geological... 


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