China's shale gas development requires important consideration of water resources
2025-07-07 09:24:08
Abstract In recent years, China has been pushing for the expansion of shale gas development as part of its broader energy strategy. A report released by Accenture, a leading global management consulting firm, highlights the critical role water plays throughout every stage of shale gas production. As a result, water resource management must be integrated as a central consideration in the country’s shale gas development plans.
The report emphasizes that shale gas extraction is highly water-intensive, with large volumes of water required for drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Additionally, the process generates significant amounts of wastewater, which, if not properly managed, can lead to environmental contamination. Given China’s unique challenges—such as high population density, limited freshwater availability, uneven distribution, and seasonal shortages—effective water resource planning is essential to support sustainable shale gas growth.
According to Accenture’s report titled “Water and Shale Gas Development,†released on the 29th, the U.S. experience shows that each well typically requires about 5 million gallons (189,270 cubic meters) of water, equivalent to around 1,000 truckloads. Most of this water is used during the fracturing phase, which accounts for approximately 90% of total water consumption.
The current hydraulic fracturing technique remains one of the most important technologies in shale gas exploration. Water used in the process is often sourced from surface water, groundwater, or municipal supplies. Alongside water and sand, small quantities of chemical additives are injected to aid in lubrication and prevent bacterial growth.
After the fracturing process, the fluid that returns to the surface contains not only the original chemicals but also naturally occurring substances from the formation, including radioactive materials. If these contaminants exceed safe levels, the wastewater must be transported to designated treatment facilities for proper disposal. This highlights the need for strict regulations and advanced waste management systems to minimize environmental risks.
The report emphasizes that shale gas extraction is highly water-intensive, with large volumes of water required for drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Additionally, the process generates significant amounts of wastewater, which, if not properly managed, can lead to environmental contamination. Given China’s unique challenges—such as high population density, limited freshwater availability, uneven distribution, and seasonal shortages—effective water resource planning is essential to support sustainable shale gas growth.
According to Accenture’s report titled “Water and Shale Gas Development,†released on the 29th, the U.S. experience shows that each well typically requires about 5 million gallons (189,270 cubic meters) of water, equivalent to around 1,000 truckloads. Most of this water is used during the fracturing phase, which accounts for approximately 90% of total water consumption.
The current hydraulic fracturing technique remains one of the most important technologies in shale gas exploration. Water used in the process is often sourced from surface water, groundwater, or municipal supplies. Alongside water and sand, small quantities of chemical additives are injected to aid in lubrication and prevent bacterial growth.
After the fracturing process, the fluid that returns to the surface contains not only the original chemicals but also naturally occurring substances from the formation, including radioactive materials. If these contaminants exceed safe levels, the wastewater must be transported to designated treatment facilities for proper disposal. This highlights the need for strict regulations and advanced waste management systems to minimize environmental risks.
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