Oil India Ltd (OIL) has hired the services of Schlumberger Asia to carry out a feasibility study for its shale gas reserves in Assam and Rajasthan.
The contract was awarded to Schlumberger, word’s leading oilfield services provider last month through a tender process, a senior company official said. “Our blocks in Assam and Rajasthan have shale gas prospects. The data is being compiled internally and it will soon be handed over to Schlumberger. They will prepare a report. Based on their recommendations, we will take a call on the future course,” he said. The company is also looking to acquire shale gas property overseas.
Shale gas refers to underground rock formations that hold reserves of oil and natural gas. Shale gas exploration and production around the globe in general, and in the US in particular, has witnessed a surge in activity in recent times and is making substantial contribution to gas production.
In the US, shale gas production contributes to nearly 17 per cent of their total gas production.
The country’s biggest energy explorer ONGC has worked out a comprehensive shale gas pilot programme to test flow shale gas and learn about proprietary technologies in the Damodar Valley basins. The first well was spotted last September near Burdwan in West Bengal. ONGC’s project, too, was awarded to Schlumberger.
