Shale Gas in China: Prospects, Concerns, and Potential International Collaboration

Table of Contents
Author(s)
Kenneth B. Medlock III
James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics | Senior Director, Center for Energy StudiesAbstract:
Shale gas resource potential in China is assessed to be large, and its development could have wide-ranging
economic, environmental, and energy security
implications. Although commercial scale shale gas
development has not yet begun in China, it holds the
potential to change the global energy landscape.
Chinese decision-makers are wrestling with the challenges
associated with bringing the potential to reality:
geologic complexity; infrastructure and logistical
difficulties; technological, institutional, social and market
development issues; and environmental impacts,
including greenhouse gas emissions, impacts on water availability and quality, and air pollution. This paper
briefly examines the current situation and outlook for shale gas in China, and explores existing and potentiall
avenues for international cooperation. We find that despite
some barriers to large-scale development, Chinese
shale gas production has the potential to grow rapidly
over the medium-term.
Published by the International Shale Gas and Oil Journal. Subscription required.
By Morgan Bazillian, Ascha Lychett Pedersen, Jacuelyn Pless, Jeffrey Logan, Kenneth Medlock III, Francis O'Sullivan & Jane Nakano