Natural Gas

Why is it called unconventional gas?

In terms of their chemical composition (primarily methane), these resources are identical to conventional natural gas. We call them “unconventional” because of their atypical geological locations. Unconventional gas is found in highly compact rock or coalbeds and requires a specific set of production techniques.

View of the three main types of natural gas resources

Three sources of unconventional gas

Tight gas, shale gas and coal bed methane are called “unconventional” gas due to their atypical reservoirs.

Unique types of reservoirs
Illustration of an hydraulic fracturing

Appropriate production techniques

Total is proficient in the techniques required to produce this gas, which is trapped in low-permeability rock or coal seams.

Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling
 

More about

The close connection between natural gas and oil

Oil: exploration and production


Oil: Exploration and Production 
 

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Information Elgin



Gas Leak on the Elgin Field 

Print version

Unconventional gas, resources for the future

Cover of the PDF

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