Q25. It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for a quarter century. However, tapping the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved.

Model Answer:

Introduction

India possesses significant reserves of shale oil and gas, potentially meeting its energy needs for 25 years. However, exploitation remains limited, raising concerns about energy security.

Body

Availability of Shale Oil and Gas

1. Reserves Estimates: India has approximately 96 billion barrels of shale oil and 2,000 trillion cubic feet of shale gas reserves, mainly in the Indo-Gangetic Basin.
2. Geological Suitability: Geological surveys indicate that regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat are particularly rich in shale deposits, making them prime locations for extraction activities.
3. Potential Production: Tapping into these reserves could substantially reduce India's reliance on imported fossil fuels, fostering energy independence and promoting economic growth.

Issues Involved

1. Environmental Concerns: Shale extraction poses environmental risks, including groundwater contamination and increased seismic activity, necessitating stringent regulatory frameworks for sustainable practices.
2. Technological Challenges: The lack of advanced extraction technology hampers efficient recovery. Investments in research and development are crucial to improve extraction methodologies.
3. Policy and Regulatory Framework: A clear and stable policy environment is essential for attracting investment. Current regulations are often perceived as ambiguous, deterring potential stakeholders.
4. Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate infrastructure for the transportation and processing of shale resources presents logistical challenges, affecting the overall feasibility of large-scale extraction.
5. Investment Climate: The investment climate remains cautious due to fluctuating global oil prices and policy unpredictability, impacting the funding required for exploration and production.

Conclusion

‍Despite significant shale oil and gas reserves, India faces multiple challenges in tapping these resources. Addressing environmental, technological, and regulatory issues is essential for sustainable development.

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