Q: With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following ‘statements:
a) Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.
b) In India abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.
The Correct Answer is Neither 1 nor 2.
Shale gas
- It refers to natural gas that is trapped within shale formations.
- Shales are fine-grained sedimentary rocks that can be rich sources of petroleum and natural gas.
- It is natural gas and is a hydrocarbon gas mixture.
- It consists mainly of methane.
- It contains other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane, and it also contains carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
- India has identified six basins as areas for shale gas exploration: Cambay (Gujarat), Assam-Arakan (North East), Gondwana (Central India), Krishna Godavari onshore (East Coast), Cauvery onshore, and Indo-Gangetic basins. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
Coalbed methane
- It is a non-conventional and is a major source of natural gas.
- It is extracted from coal seams.
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