What Exactly Is Unconventional Gas?

The world in general is heavily dependent on natural gas resources; to the detriment of the earth's supplies of it. Some say we've topped out the supply and it's nowhere but depletion from here. However, our proverbial 'thirst' for this isn't depleting - it's actually increasing yearly. So what may we do? The answer may lie in unconventional gas.

Unconventional gas is natural gas resources that are not found in the usual places natural gas is found, it is typically found in such places as tight sands, coal beds and shale beds. So, what makes unconventional gas, well unconventional and an often overlooked source of natural gas? Mainly, unconventional gas needs unconventional ways to be retrieved for our uses.

Natural Gas -v- Unconventional Gas

Natural gas is made by thousands of years of pressure and heat on organic material trapped in rock. Over time, the gas is pushed up through the rocks and a "pool" of natural gas if formed, which is then drilled to release the gas for our use. Unconventional gas isn't found in pools. There isn't a way for unconventional gas to be pushed through the rock or material it is trapped in.

Information and expertise in extracting the gas from the particles they're trapped in are scarce around the world. Outside the United States, unconventional gas has been overlooked and understudied. With the worlds dependence on natural gas, this is the time for companies to investigate ways of accessing unconventional gas.

Three Main Unconventional Gas Resources

Some of the main types of unconventional gas are: - Shale Bed Gas: Gas which is trapped in clay particles and found in fine shale rock formations. - Coal Bed Methane: Gas which is found in coal particles and is trapped in coal deposits. - Tight Sands: Gas forms in carbonate or sandstone and gets trapped there. All three of these hold gas, but are not very permeable materials, so the gas gets stuck and thus doesn't form into pools - making it difficult for those looking to extract it.

So, even though you may have heard doom and gloom about our natural gas resources, there is definitely an answer. Unconventional gas has started to garner more interest the world over as a viable way to supply the demand of natural gas. Many companies are developing and researching cost effective methods to harvest unconventional gas. The demand for natural gas continues to grow over oil as an option since it's a cleaner fuel, and as unconventional gas grows interest it will still be that way.

Right now though, will still be rather difficult plus much more expensive to mine. Hopefully, in the years to come, the world's brilliant minds will figure out a way to bring out the unconventional gas reserves in the earth in cheaper, safer, and more efficient ways!