In order to meet the growing energy needs, India will lauÂnch its maiden bid round for exploration of shale gas during the 12th Plan period (2012-17). As per the available data, six basins – Cambay (in Gujarat), Assam-Arakan (in the North-East), Gondawana (in cenÂtral India), KG onshore (in Andhra Pradesh), Cauvery onshore and Indo Gangatic basins, hold shale gas potential.
The Directorate General of Hydrocarbon (DCH) has initiated steÂps to identify prospective areas for offering. Currently, the policy allows exploration and production of conventional oil and gas and coal bed methane (CBM).
Shale gas or natural gas traÂpped in sedimentary rocks (shale formations) below the earth's surface, is the new focus area in the US, Canada and China as an alternative to conventional oil and gas for meeting growing energy needs. However, shale gas exploration faces several challenges such as the availability of water and vast tracts of land.
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