Comparison of exploration and development history, geological characteristics and exploitation conditions of shale gas in China and the United States and its enlightenment

Analyzing the successful experience of the shale gas revolution in the United States is of great significance for promoting the development of China's shale gas industry. A comparative study is performed on the exploration and development history, geological conditions for accumulation, development and utilization conditions and resource development status of shale gas in China and the United States. The results show that although both China and the United States have abundant shale gas resources, China's shale gas output is far lower than that of the United States due to late beginning of exploration and development, low proved resource rate, and low development degree. The shale gas exploration and development in China is still in the early stage of rapid development. The United States has unique geological conditions for shale gas accumulation, superior geological conditions for development, and complete development infrastructure. Moreover, the United States has such advantages as strong technological innovation capability, world-leading process technology, and industrial policy support, which jointly promote the leap in shale gas production. Compared with the United States, China has several disadvantages such as multiple stages of tectonic evolution, multiple types of sedimentary basins, and three types of shales developing in marine, transitional and continental facies. Different types of shales varies greatly in quality. In addition, due to the strong tectonic transformation in the late period, the shale gas preservation conditions are very different in various structural units. The main distribution areas of shale gas in China have complex landforms and subsurface geological conditions, and relatively weak development infrastructure. At present, China is still far behind the United States in terms of key technologies and processes such as three-dimensional and efficient development. As the main body of natural gas production growth in China and the United States and an important field of natural gas production growth in China in the future, this paper makes the following suggestions. (1) The exploration and development of shale gas in Wufeng-Longmaxi formations in Sichuan Basin should be further accelerated to increase reserves and production. (2) Public oil and gas survey should further play a leading role, strengthen the geological survey and evaluation of shale gas in new areas and new strata, and set up new shale gas production bases. (3) It should strengthen independent innovation, enhance theoretical research on shale gas accumulation, tackle key technologies suitable for China's landform and geological conditions, and promote low-cost and effective development of deep, normal pressured, continental and transitional shale gas. (4) Policy support should be continued to promote the rapid development of shale gas industry. © 2022 Science Press. All rights reserved.