The challenges of water resources and environmental impact of China mainland unconventional gas exploration and development

ABSTRACT: China mainland is abundant in unconventional gas resources and has large development potential. The exploration and development of unconventional gas are on track, but the resulting water resources shortage and environmental and ecological problems are worrying. In this article, the author firstly analyzed the water consumption of three types of unconventional gas resources (tight gas, shale gas and coalbed methane (or CBM for short)) in the process of their exploration and development in China mainland. Then, combined with the present distribution of water resources, the author found that water resources supply will be one of the bottlenecks which restrict the development of China mainland unconventional gas. Finally, the author suggested that we should take effective measures, like optimizing adjustment and effective deployment of water resource, popularizing technology of no or less water fracturing, cycle utilization of waste water after processing, improving laws and regulations and establishing the supervision mechanism, to strengthen the management of water resources and environmental protection, and to achieve sustainable and harmonious development with environment of unconventional gas exploration and exploitation in China mainland.