With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following statements:
- 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.
- In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
- Coalbed methane is a significant alternative source of natural gas extracted from coal seams.
- Shale gas, on the other hand, refers to natural gas trapped within shale formations, which are fine-grained sedimentary rocks known for their rich petroleum and natural gas deposits.
- Shale gas is a hydrocarbon gas mixture, mainly comprising methane, as well as other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane, in addition to carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
- Regarding shale gas exploration, India has identified six basins – Cambay, Assam-Arakan, Gondwana, Krishna Godavari onshore, Cauvery onshore, and Indo-Gangetic – as promising areas for further exploration. Hence, statement 2 is also incorrect.
