China: Progress in Shale Gas Extraction

The use of shale gas extraction technology developed at home could allow China to exploit domestic energy sources without the constraints that come with working with foreign partners. China's state-run oil company, PetroChina, announced March 13 that domestically developed technology successfully extracted shale gas during testing in the Changning-Weiyuan demonstration zone in the greater Sichuan Basin. The development of its shale reserves could help China in its quest to meet growing demand with domestic sources. Moreover, the exploitation of shale reserves, most of which are located in inland China, could help Beijing accomplish its goal of developing the interior provinces.