UPSC Prelims 2014 Q38: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
With reference to two non - conventional energy sources called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale
gas’, consider the following statements :
1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a
mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine - grained sedimentary rocks.
2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been
found.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Coalbed methane and shale gas
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only | Incorrect | Shale gas is also mainly methane; coalbed methane is not perfectly pure either |
| 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found | Incorrect | Shale gas resources have been found in the Cambay, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery and other basins |
The two compared:
| Feature | Coalbed methane | Shale gas |
|---|---|---|
| Found in | Coal seams | Fine-grained shale rock |
| Main gas | Methane | Methane |
| Extraction | Pumping water out of the seam | Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling |
| In India | Damodar valley, Sohagpur, Raniganj | Cambay, KG, Cauvery basins |
Propane and butane are the gases in LPG.
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Shale gas is not a mixture of propane and butane only.
- (b) Incorrect. India does have shale gas resources.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false.
- (d) CORRECT. Both gases are mainly methane, and India has shale gas too.
Key point
Coalbed methane (coal seams) and shale gas (shale rock) are both mainly methane. India has both; propane and butane make up LPG.
Remember
CBM and shale gas = methane; LPG = propane + butane.
Common mistakes
- Accepting 'only' and 'pure' in statement 1.
- Confusing shale gas with LPG, which is propane and butane.
- Thinking India has no shale gas.
Exam tip
Natural gas of any kind is mostly methane. Propane and butane are LPG.
Sources
- Directorate General of Hydrocarbons — Coal Bed Methane and Shale Gas in India
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas — Policy Guidelines for Exploration and Exploitation of Shale Gas and Oil (2013)