The shale gas market is experiencing significant growth as global energy demand rises and innovative drilling technologies make extraction more efficient. According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, the global shale gas market size was valued at $57.2 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $130.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2021 to 2030.
🔎 What is Shale Gas?
Shale gas is a type of natural gas trapped within fine-grained sedimentary rocks known as shales. It is typically stored in three forms:
Free gas: trapped within the pores and fractures of the rock.
Adsorbed gas: attached to organic matter and clays.
Dissolved gas: stored within organic materials.
The extraction of shale gas became economically feasible with the combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking), which unlocked reserves that were once inaccessible. Shale reservoirs can extend up to 500 meters and are often interbedded with siltstone or fine sandstone, creating vast opportunities for energy production.
The shale gas market is projected to nearly double its size, reaching $130.3 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand, innovative fracking technologies, and growing reliance on natural gas for power generation. Although the industry faced severe challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, its recovery signals a strong future ahead. Shale gas will remain a key contributor to global energy security, supporting both industrial and residential sectors in the years to come.