Geological characteristics, main challenges and future prospect of shale gas

The development of shale gas in the United States has made a breakthrough, profoundly changed the pattern of oil and gas supply. It created the “shale gas revolution” on a global scale. Based on the practice of shale gas development in China and abroad, this paper aims to: (1) Summarize 5 basic characteristics, which are shale gas resource distribution, reservoir space, sweet spot area (section), hydrocarbon type and development mode. (2) Divide China shale development into three stages: scientific exploration, technological breakthrough and mature development. The United States is divided into three stages: scientific exploration, technological breakthrough and mature development. The United States is divided into three stages: scientific exploration, technological breakthrough and mature development. (3) Identify 4 challenges in the future development of China shale gas industry. It includes non-marine shale gas potential, core technology and equipment for resource deep than 3500 m, complex surface “factory mode” production, human geography and other non-technical factors. (4) Process economic evaluation under the conditions of government financial subsidies. China's shale gas project FIRR is about 8.0%–9.0%. Considering the global shale gas resources, consumer demand and other factors, it global shale gas production is expected to reach 1.1 × 1012m3 by 2040. Keywords: Shale gas, Black shale, Shale gas revolution, Nano pore, Sweet spot area, Sweet spot section, Artificial gas reservoir