Unconventional Gas Reservoirs
In the quest for sustainable and secure energy sources, unconventional gas reservoirs have emerged as significant contributors to the global natural gas supply. Unlike conventional reservoirs where gas flows freely through porous rock formations, unconventional gas is trapped in low-permeability geological formations, requiring advanced extraction techniques.
The primary types of unconventional gas include Coal Bed Methane (CBM), extracted from coal seams; Shale Gas, found within fine-grained sedimentary shale rock; Tight Gas, locked in compact sandstone or limestone formations; and Gas Hydrates, ice-like structures containing methane, located under high pressure and low temperature conditions in deep ocean sediments and permafrost regions.
As conventional reserves decline and energy demands rise, these unconventional sources are becoming increasingly important, though their exploration and production pose distinct technical, environmental, and economic challenges. This chapter explores the nature, occurrence, extraction methods, and potential of each type of unconventional gas reservoir.
