Shale Gas is Commercially Produced in Just Three Countries
Just three countries currently produce shale gas at commercial levels according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – the United States, Canada, and China.
By Melissa C. Lott
This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Just three countries currently produce shale gas at commercial levels according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) - the United States, Canada, and China. Furthermore, while all three of these countries increased their production levels in 2014 compared to 2013, the United States is still by far the dominant shale gas producer.
Several countries including Algeria, Australia, Colombia, Mexico, and Russia are in the process of exploring their ability to produce domestic shale gas resources. Other countries are debating if they will exploit their national shale resources or steer clear of the resource due to environmental concerns. In the United Kingdom, fracking is expected to be banned in two-fifths (40%) of the land in England that is being offered for shale gas exploration by the government. Scotland has banned fracking within its borders until additional safety and health evaluations can be conducted.
Graphic: U.S. Energy Information Administration
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
