The main countries producing natural gas. Largest gas fields

The conditions in which people live today cannot be imagined without the use of fuel such as natural gas. It is environmentally friendly, has good thermal conductivity, and is easy to transport. These and many other positive qualities have long made gas indispensable in most areas of human life, industry and electricity. This article provides current and official information according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

World gas reserves

There are the following types of gas reserves in the world:

• proven. Such reserves represent the portion of reserves that are likely to be extracted from developed deposits in the current economic and technical conditions
• probable. There is not enough information about these reserves to confidently say whether it is worth developing them in the current economic and technical conditions. However, probable reserves become cost-effective even with a slight increase in information about them, as well as the development of production technology
• possible. There is very little information about such reserves. Based on the available data, we can only talk about a rough estimate of the cost of extraction or the optimal extraction method, but the degree of probability is not high.

Simply put, probable and possible reserves differ from proven ones only in that their development is not profitable at today’s price level and technology used.
In addition, gas reserves are divided into:

• small - up to 10 billion m3
• average - from 10 to 100 billion m3
• large - from 100 to 1 trillion m3
• largest (giant) - 1-5 trillion m3
• unique (“supergiant”) - over 5 trillion m3.

Gas production in the world

It is noteworthy that the main consumers of natural gas are geographically located outside the areas of global fuel production. This happened due to the specific geography of the distribution of industry and electricity, as well as population density in certain regions. Since the 1970s, the largest consumption volumes have been observed in three regions globe: North America, Foreign Europe and CIS countries. Of these, only the United States of America and Canada are able to fully meet their needs with blue fuel. In other regions, it is not their own resources that are consumed, but exported material from countries that are engaged in extraction.
Natural gas production figures indicate that a quarter or 25% of all global production comes from the United States, which is the leader in this industry. In second place is Russia, which produces approximately 20% of the world's total gas production. Interestingly, leaders in production are not always leaders in exports.

Gas fields in the world

The twenty largest gas fields contain approximately 1,200 billion cubic meters of blue fuel. The richest deposits are located in:

• Russia. This country has 9 of the 20 largest fuel sources. Most of them were discovered in the 60-80s of the last century. About twenty years ago, three more large deposits were found on Russian territory: West Kamchatka, Leningradskoye and Rusanovskoye.
• USA. This region is home to 4 of the largest deposits, discovered in the mid-1960s. Americans began to massively use their deposits only at the end of the 20th century
• Qatar and Iran. On the territory of these states there are two rich places, one of which affects the territories of two countries at once
• Turkmenistan has only one rich place included in the list of leaders in gas reserves
• China. The only rich deposit was found in 2008; it is ranked tenth in the TOP 20 states in terms of resource reserves
• Algeria. Three regions of Algeria close the ranking of leaders. The Hassi-Mel deposit is the oldest in the state, it was discovered in 1957. However, even today it is the largest in Algeria. Two more deposits were found in 2004 and 2006.

Gas production locations in the world

In first place is South Pars, which is located simultaneously on the territory of two countries - Qatar and Iran, as well as in the region of the Persian oil and gas basin and Gulf. It was discovered in 1991 and today it contains more than 270 billion cubic meters of gas. It is worth noting that the Persian Gulf is a global giant not only in terms of deposits, but also in terms of production in the Asian oil and gas region.
In 2006, the Galkynysh deposit was found in Turkmenistan, which immediately moved to second place in the ranking of world leaders. It contains 210 billion cubic meters of blue fuel.
In third place is the Russian Federation and its Urengoy region, located in the West Siberian oil and gas basin. It was discovered in 1996 and, as of 2016, it contained about 10.2 trillion cubic meters of gas.
It is worth noting that the cleanest natural gas in the world is located in the territories of Algeria and Nigeria. This region produces high quality fuel, which is practically free of harmful impurities and slags.
OPEC statistics indicate that at the current rate of blue fuel consumption on the planet, existing reserves will last for about 65 years. Over 120 trillion cubic meters of gas have not yet been explored because they are located at very great depths in the earth’s crust and are practically not available for global production.

Top 10: Leading countries in natural gas production. PHOTO

We present to your attention a list of states that produce and export natural gas in huge quantities.
10. Algeria. Gas reserves: 4.5 trillion cubic meters

Algeria ranks 10th in world gas production. The amount of gas in this North African country is 2.5% of world reserves. And half of this number is mined at the Hassi R’Mei deposit, located in the southeast of the country. Gas producing companies such as Total and Shell have been operating in this country for decades. Three plants with 15 production lines are engaged in gas production. Two of them are located in the city of Arzev and one in the city of Skikda.

9. Nigeria. Gas reserves: 5.1 trillion cubic meters

This country ranks first in gas production on the African continent. Also, it is a member of OPEC. And this despite the fact that in Nigeria high level corruption, political instability, weak economy and poorly developed infrastructure. Nigeria is a very gas-dependent country, with profits from its exports accounting for 95% of its foreign exchange earnings. In 2010, Nigeria became a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas. After all, the volume of this exported natural resource is 21.9 million tons.

8. Venezuela. Gas reserves: 5.6 trillion cubic meters

This country's gas reserves account for 2.9% of the world's. But most of them are gas associated with oil. Most of the deposits are located in Norte De Pario (an area north of Trinidad and Tobago). But the gas sector in Venezuela is not very developed, which is holding back its development. The main gas pipelines are owned by PDVSA GAS.

7. UAE. Gas reserves: 6.1 trillion cubic meters

Most of this country's gas reserves are located in its capital, Dubai. Oil fields are located there and there is a Khuff gas reserve. In 1977, the first liquefied gas plant was built in the UAE by ADGAS. Currently, it is engaged in processing natural gas from all oil fields of the country.

6. Saudi Arabia. Gas reserves: 8.2 trillion cubic meters

All oil and gas fields belong to the only state-owned company in the country - Saudi Aramco. It is a monopolist in this area. In total, there are more than 70 deposits in Saudi Arabia, located in 8 regions of the country. Currently, gas production is accelerating. This is due to economic diversification. The country, which is one of the leaders in the production of this natural resource, plans to increase gas supply to the world market. As for the mixed oil and gas fields, found back in the late 20th century, they are located in the oil fields of Kirkuk. Pure deposits, constituting 1/5 of the country's total reserves, are located in the Gavar oil field.

5. USA. Gas reserves: 9.8 trillion cubic meters

More than half of this country's gas reserves are located in just four states: Texas, Colorado, Wyoming and Oklahoma. Also, about 5% of mineral resources are taken from the continental shelf, which is under the jurisdiction of the US government. The main gas producing companies in the country, which occupies the middle of the top leaders in gas production, are: BP, ExxonMobil.

4. Turkmenistan. Gas reserves: 17.5 trillion cubic meters

Natural gas is an integral part of the economy of Turkmenistan, which is one of the leaders in the production of this mineral. After all, most of the country’s reserves are spent on its export. All gas is produced in one field - Galkynysh. According to experts, it contains more than 25 trillion cubic meters. Several years ago, plans included a project to build the Nabucco pipe. But he died due to the fault of the country's government. And high hopes were placed on him.

3. Qatar. Gas reserves: 24.5 trillion cubic meters

All liquefied gas production plants are located in one city in Qatar - Ras Laffan. The first plant was built in 1996, and gas supplies began a year later. Almost 85% of the total gas produced is supplied to European, Asian and North American markets. This became possible thanks to the successful geographical location a country that took bronze in the ranking of leading states in gas production.

2. Russia. Gas reserves: 32.6 trillion cubic meters

Gas export is the most important part of the economy of Russia - the leader in production in this area. The natural resource is mined in Western Siberia (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug), the Urals, the Lower Volga region and the North Caucasus. Gas reserves account for more than 60% of all Russian resources. Natural resource is transported by Unified system gas supply and gas pipeline networks with a length of more than 140 thousand km. The gas producer is the monopolist Gazprom, which provides 95% of the natural resource from all production in the country.

1. Iran. Gas reserves: 34 trillion cubic meters

All fields are located in the north of the country, which ranks first in gas production in the world, and on the shelf near the Persian Gulf. Foreign (French, Chinese, Belarusian) investors who came to the country back in the late 90s are working on the extraction of natural resources. True, they stopped their activities for a time when sanctions were introduced against Iran, but it seems that they can now return to the market again. The country's authorities plan to increase gas production to 1 billion cubic meters per day by 2017. Iran's total reserves account for 18% of the world's reserves.

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List of gas producing countries in the world: 10 largest leaders

Natural gas, being the cleanest type of fossil fuel, is widely used as fuel in residential buildings for heating, water heating and cooking, as well as fuel for cars, boiler houses and thermal power plants. The leading positions in gas production are occupied by Russia and the United States, while they have repeatedly changed places, alternately regaining leadership. Gas, located in microscopic voids, is extracted from the bowels of the earth using wells. Under normal conditions (101.325 kPa and 0 C), natural gas is only in the gaseous state, but it can also be in the crystalline state.

Our list of world gas producing countries is based on OPEC's annual statistical bulletin. British Petroleum also publishes the annual Statistical Review of World Energy. At the same time, despite the discrepancies in the data of gas produced (for example, according to OPEC, the United States produced 751.063 billion cubic meters in 2017, according to British Petroleum, 749.2), the first 9 leading countries coincide. The situation is more complicated with 10th place: the first claim that it is Turkmenistan with 81.765 billion cubic meters/year, the second name Australia with 91.2 billion cubic meters/year.

1. USA (751 billion cubic meters/year)

The subsoil of North America, where this country is located, has large reserves of natural gas and oil. As of 2013, 383 natural gas wells were operating in the United States, 38 oil and gas basins are located on its territory, and 14 more promise to become them. The enormous natural gas reserves of the United States are estimated at 10.44 trillion cubic meters, which is 5.2% of all world reserves. The Americans have especially advanced in shale gas production, meaning such large fields as Point Thomson and Marcellus in Alaska and Haynesville.
5% of gas is produced on the North American continental shelf (in that part of it that is under American jurisdiction). The main gas producing enterprises in the United States are Exxon Mobil and BP, they are in the top ten similar companies in the world.

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2. Russia (642 billion cubic meters/year)

Russia is located in most of Eastern Europe and the entire north of Asia. Its vast territory contains huge reserves of natural hydrocarbons. 47.8 trillion cubic meters of these resources are already classified as proven, representing approximately 24% of the world's reserves. In economics modern Russia natural gas export has become a priority.
9 of the largest gas fields are located in this country. Over 60% of gas reserves are located in Western Siberia (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug), the North Caucasus, the Volga region and the Urals. The extracted gas is transmitted through a unified gas supply system; the length of the gas pipeline network is over 140,000 km. Gas production is monopolized by Gazprom, which accounts for 95% of all production of this resource in the country.

3. Iran (227 billion cubic meters/year)

The Islamic Republic of Iran is located in Western Asia. It also boasts huge reserves of hydrocarbon resources. The huge South Pars gas field is located on the coastal shelf in the Persian Gulf, and in total this country has almost 17% of the world's gas reserves. After the lifting of international sanctions in the country, the production of blue fuel sharply increased and its sales market expanded. Agreements were reached with Iraq on the supply of Iranian gas to the capital of the neighboring country, Baghdad. Over the past year, Iran's gas exports have increased by 5 million cubic meters.
There are other hydrocarbon deposits in Iran: the Kengan gas condensate field, the Sardar Milli oil and gas field, the Foroz, Khangiran and Khayyam gas fields, in addition, the Pre-Zagros oil and gas region.

4. Qatar (183 billion cubic meters/year)

The Emirate of Qatar is located on the peninsula of the same name, which is part of the vast Arabian Peninsula. Proven reserves of natural gas controlled by this state amount to 24.5 trillion cubic meters or 12.2% of world gas reserves. Little Qatar has become the richest state thanks to the gigantic Northern field - if pumped out at the current rate, it will last for 135 years. Gas production in the country is managed by the state-owned Qatar Petroleum company, which, after the lifting of the moratorium introduced in 2005, increased both LNG production and exports.

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5. Canada (174 billion cubic meters/year)

Canada is the northern neighbor of the United States, and in its depths there are also considerable reserves of natural gas. There is more than one gas-bearing basin on its territory, the largest of which is in the province of Alberta. The following deposits have been explored and exploited on the territory of the latter: Pembina Forks, Rainbow Lake, Medicine Hat. In the province of Nunavut, gas production is carried out at the Christopher Bay field, and in British Columbia, at the Taylor field.

6. China (137 billion cubic meters/year)

China is located in east and southeast Asia. Its territory is also rich in natural hydrocarbon fuels. The most famous gas fields include: the Clamely gas field, the Liuhua and Yacheng offshore gas condensate fields, and the Changbei, Sulige and Shiugou-Dongxi gas fields.

7. Norway (120 billion cubic meters/year)

Norway is located in the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula and owns numerous islands, including the Spitsbergen archipelago. Norway is also located above rich oil and gas fields. The largest gas reserves have been explored in the Frigg (225 billion cubic meters), Oseberg (60 billion cubic meters) and Troll (1287 billion cubic meters) fields.

8. Saudi Arabia (111 billion cubic meters/year)

Saudi Arabia occupies almost the entire Arabian Peninsula, in the sands of which huge reserves of gas and oil are hidden. In the Rub al-Khali desert in 2007, a new Tukhman field was discovered, located at great depths (over 5 km). According to initial calculations, there are about a billion cubic meters of gas in Tukhman.
The Saudis also own a large offshore oil and gas field in the Persian Gulf, located at depths of 1.5 to 3 km. According to geologists, about 1 billion cubic meters of gas are also hidden in Gavar. In total, Saudi Arabia's blue fuel reserves are estimated at 8.5 trillion cubic meters, that is, 4.2% of world reserves. The basis of the country’s economic power is the state corporation Saudi Aramco, which has a monopoly on the production and processing of hydrocarbons. An economic transformation plan has been adopted here, according to which by 2020 natural gas production should increase to 504 million cubic meters.

9. Algeria (93 billion cubic meters/year)

Algeria is located in northern Africa, most of it is occupied by the Sahara Desert, in the depths of which huge reserves of gas and oil are also hidden. In 2009, another gas condensate field, Ain-Tsila, was discovered there, in which gas is located at a depth of 1.5-2 kilometers. The total proven gas reserves in this country are 4.5 trillion cubic meters or 2.2% of world reserves. Gas production is also underway at the Hassi-R'Mel field. All production is controlled by the Sonatrak state corporation; it also owns the production lines and the liquefied gas production itself, located in the cities of Skikda and Arzev.

10. Turkmenistan (82 billion cubic meters/year)

Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia and has on its territory two oil and gas regions: the South Caspian oil and gas basin and the Turan oil and gas province. They collectively contain more than 220 oil, gas, condensate and oil and gas fields. In total, 7.5 trillion cubic meters of gas have been explored in the country (3.7% of world reserves).
The main one is the Galkynysh deposit, followed by South Yolotan. Turkmenistan exports most of its gas to China, while Turkmens have to pay part of the proceeds to China as loan repayments. The country's economy is unstable, almost entirely dependent on the export of energy resources, so the government of Turkmenistan intends to increase gas production several times, bringing it to 230 billion cubic meters.

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Leading countries in gas production

It is impossible to overestimate the role of natural gas, which is in great demand and is declining catastrophically, given global consumption volumes. The United States and Russia have become leaders in gas production in the world, constantly competing for primacy and having hundreds of deposits of this wealth on their territories.

The annual production of shale gas in these two countries accounts for 40% of global volumes. The United States has practically abandoned imported gas and is actively developing its territories, converting some gas production facilities for export purposes.

The instability of the world gas market, an increase in its exports by other countries and, as a result, a decrease in prices, forces Russia to cancel long-term contracts for gas supply, constantly make concessions on prices to importing countries and develop new fields with less intensity.

The extraction of this raw material, although at a slower pace, is carried out in Qatar, Iran, Northern Administrative Okrug, Algeria and other countries.

The trend towards increasing gas production, which began in the mid-20th century, has increased tenfold in our time. This is due to the increase in aviation, road, and maritime transport, the development of the chemical industry, and the tenfold increase in the need for electrical energy resources. The possibility in the near future to convert a number of vehicles (including most cars) to relatively inexpensive gas fuel has increased its global production several times over the past eight years, and has occupied the minds of scientists with the discovery of new deposits, forms of accumulation and methods of gas production.

Data on gas production of conglomerate states vary. Each country maintains its own statistics, which are summarized for the year and published in print media. According to reports from statistical agencies, over the past few years the United States has increased gas production from shale deposits fourfold, surpassing Russia, and has no intention of slowing down.

It is possible to record only data on gas sold and actually consumed in the country; costs and utilization coefficients associated with production (losses when gas is released into the atmosphere, combustion during the production process, etc.) are not taken into account. The greater the degree of development of the gas production industry, the greater the utilization coefficient.

By 2030, shale gas reserves (for which conventional deep well drilling is used) will be at critical levels in many countries. According to scientists, global reserves of this fuel are decreasing exponentially every year, and production rates predict depletion of the resource in 50-70 years. The issue of production of hydrate and mine methane gas is becoming relevant. Both varieties are currently just beginning to enter the field of study. Their production involves the construction of new drilling rigs and the development of new methods for purifying gas from impurities.

Gas is the safest fuel in terms of its impact on the environment. When burned, it produces fewer harmful volatile compounds than from the combustion of other types of fuel. The main danger threatening humanity with an increase in gas production is a reduction in the species number of animals due to deforestation in the territories of gas fields, as well as erosion processes occurring under the influence of drilling wells.

Statistical overview of the leading countries in gas production in the world

1. USA – production volume has increased 4 times over the past three years and is trending upward. Due to this, they almost completely stopped importing gas into their territories. Main deposit:

• Gulf Coast Basin Mining occurs in the rocky mountain regions of eastern Texas and southern Arkansas. The depth of the gas is more than 3 kilometers.

• The Urengoy field - Western Siberia - is the third largest in the world - reserves - 4.5 trillion. cube m., more than a thousand wells. Today, it is possible to extract gas only from very deep layers of sediments.
• Markovskoye field - Eastern Siberia – 2.4 trillion. cube m.
• Bovanenskoye field - Yamal Peninsula - 3.2 trillion. cube m., despite the recent development period and small volume of production, is considered very promising.
• Ust-Vilyuiskoye field – Far East – 1.5 trillion. cube m.

Russia is the main gas exporting state in the world, and it has advantages over other producers due to two methods of supplying raw materials: by sea (gas is transported in liquid form) and by gas pipeline.

Gulf countries

Development is carried out on the territory of the Persian Gulf, which is divided into 2 parts by a tectonic fault. Both deposits are of different ages of origin and are isolated from each other.

1. Iran - South Pars, - northern part of the bay.
2. Qatar - North Pars, - South part bay.
3. SAO – Gavar – East End Persian Gulf. The depth of occurrence depends on the rock of the gas-bearing layer and ranges from 1 to 3 km.

Raw materials are exported in large quantities to most European countries.

1. Canada - the main reserves are located in the northern province of the island of Newfoundland, covering part of the Appalachian mountains - several gas fields. Most of the produced gas is exported to the USA.

• Rainbow Lake is the southern part of the Canadian state.

• - Dazhou is one of the administrative centers in Sichuan Province. Active importer of fuel – about 25 billion. cube m per year.

• - Troll-West – occurrence of fossil raw materials occurs at a depth of 400 meters, from at least three sources.

• -Hassi-Rmel – location – northern Algeria.

• Galkynysh - location - southeast of Turkmenistan, includes three large deposits.

prompriem.ru

Top 10 countries by gas production for 2017

Our top 10 gas producing countries for 2017 are based on OPEC data published in the 2017 Annual Statistical Bulletin.

10Turkmenistan

This country is located in Central Asia. There are two oil and gas provinces on the territory of Turkmenistan: the Turan oil and gas province and the South Caspian oil and gas basin. These provinces are home to over 220 gas, oil and gas, petroleum and condensate fields. In 2017, 81.765 billion cubic meters were produced in this country. m of natural gas.

9Algeria

This country is located in North Africa. Most of Algeria's territory lies in the Sahara Desert. In the depths of the country there are oil and gas reserves. In the fall of 2009, a gas condensate field was discovered in Algeria, which was named Ain Tsila. There gas deposits are located at a depth of 1.5-2.0 km. In 2017, 93.152 billion cubic meters were produced in this country. m of natural gas.

8Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is located on the Arabian Peninsula. The country has large oil and gas reserves. In February 2007, a gas field was discovered in the Rub al-Khali desert, which was named Tukhman. Its deposits are located at a depth of 5-5.5 km. The initial reserves of natural gas in Tukhman amount to 1 billion cubic meters. m. Also in the Persian Gulf basin there is a large oil and gas field called Gavar. The deposits in it are located at a depth of 1.5-3 km. Geological reserves of natural gas in Gavar amount to 1.01 billion cubic meters. m. In 2017, 110.86 billion cubic meters were produced in this country. m of natural gas.

7Norway

Norway is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Spitsbergen archipelago and many islands. The country has large oil and gas reserves. The largest natural gas reserves are the Troll, Oseberg and Frigg fields. The troll stores 1287 billion cubic meters. m of gas, Oseberg - 60 billion cubic meters. m of gas, Frigg - 225 billion cubic meters. m of gas. In 2017, 120.193 billion cubic meters were produced in this country. m of natural gas.

6China

China is located in East Asia. In the depths of the country there are large reserves of oil and gas. Among the famous gas fields in China are Clameli (gas field), Liuhua (offshore gas condensate field), Sulige (gas field), Changbei (gas field), Shiugou-Dongxi (gas field), Yacheng (offshore gas condensate field). In 2017, 136.628 billion cubic meters were produced in this country. m of natural gas.

5Canada

Canada is located in North America. The country's subsoil has large reserves of natural gas. There are several gas basins in Canada. The main basin is located in the province of Alberta. It includes fields such as Rainbow Lake, Pembina Forks and Medicine Hat. The Taylor field is located in the province of British Columbia, and the Christopher Bay field is located in the province of Nunavut. In 2017, 174.051 billion cubic meters were produced in Canada. m of natural gas.

4Qatar

Qatar is located on the Qatar Peninsula, which is located on the Arabian Peninsula. The country's subsoil is rich in natural gas. In the central part of the Persian Gulf there is the North, a large oil and gas field. In 2017, 182.83 billion cubic meters were produced in this country. m of natural gas.

3Iran

Iran is located in Western Asia. The country has large reserves of oil and natural gas. In the central part of the Persian Gulf there is a large oil and gas field, South Pars. Iran also has such gas fields as Kengan (gas condensate field), Sardar Milli (oil and gas), Foroz (gas), Khayyam (gas), Hangiran (gas), as well as the Pre-Zagros oil and gas region. In 2017, 226.905 billion cubic meters were produced in this country. m of natural gas.

2Russia

Russia is located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. The country has large reserves of oil and natural gas. The largest gas reserves in Russia are located in Western Siberia. Many gas fields are located in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. In 2017, 642.242 billion cubic meters were produced in Russia. m of natural gas.

1USA

USA is located in North America. The country's subsoil has large reserves of oil and natural gas. As of 2013, there were 383 drilling rigs producing natural gas in the United States. The country has 38 oil and gas basins and 14 suspected oil and gas basins. In 2017, 751.063 billion cubic meters were produced in this country. m of natural gas.

Natural gas is needed by humanity for many purposes: heating buildings, cooking, heating water, producing certain substances in the chemical industry, and also as fuel for various equipment.

top5-top10.ru

Leading countries in gas production

The recent lifting of sanctions on Iran will lead to the emergence of another major seller in the gas market. But even without this country, there are enough states that extract and export natural resources in huge quantities. Let's remember, which countries are the leaders in gas production? In the context of current world politics, this information is more relevant than ever.

02/14/2016 at 15:48 · Pavlofox · 20 350

Leading countries in gas production

The recent lifting of sanctions on Iran will lead to the emergence of another major seller in the gas market. But even without this country, there are enough states that extract and export natural resources in huge quantities. Let's remember, which countries are the leaders in gas production? In the context of current world politics, this information is more relevant than ever.

10. Algeria | Gas reserves: 4.5 trillion cubic meters

Algeria ranks 10th in world gas production. The amount of gas in this North African country is 2.5% of world reserves. And half of this number is mined at the Hassi R’Mei deposit, located in the southeast of the country. Gas producing companies such as Total and Shell have been operating in this country for decades.
Three plants with 15 production lines are engaged in gas production. Two of them are located in the city of Arzev and one in the city of Skikda.

9. Nigeria | Gas reserves: 5.1 trillion cubic meters

This country ranks first in gas production on the African continent. Also, it is a member of OPEC. And this despite the fact that Nigeria has a high level of corruption, political instability, a weak economy and poorly developed infrastructure. Nigeria is a very gas-dependent country, with profits from its exports accounting for 95% of its foreign exchange earnings. In 2010, Nigeria became a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas. After all, the volume of this exported natural resource is 21.9 million tons.

8. Venezuela | Gas reserves: 5.6 trillion cubic meters

The gas reserves of this country, which ranks 8th in the list of leaders in mineral extraction, amount to 2.9% of the world's. But most of them are gas associated with oil. Most of the deposits are located in Norte De Pario (an area north of Trinidad and Tobago). But the gas sector in Venezuela is not very developed, which is holding back its development. The main gas pipelines are owned by PDVSA GAS.

7. UAE | Gas reserves: 6.1 trillion cubic meters

Most of this country's gas reserves are located in its capital, Dubai. Oil fields are located there and there is a Khuff gas reserve. In 1977, the first liquefied gas plant was built in the UAE by ADGAS. Currently, it is engaged in processing natural gas from all oil fields of the country, which ranks 7th in the list of leaders in the production of this mineral.

6. Saudi Arabia | Gas reserves: 8.2 trillion cubic meters

All oil and gas fields belong to the only state-owned company in the country - Saudi Aramco. It is a monopolist in this area. In total, there are more than 70 deposits in Saudi Arabia, located in 8 regions of the country. Currently, gas production is accelerating. This is due to economic diversification. The country, which is one of the leaders in the production of this natural resource, plans to increase gas supply to the world market.
As for the mixed oil and gas fields, found back in the late 20th century, they are located in the oil fields of Kirkuk. Pure deposits, constituting 1/5 of the country's total reserves, are located in the Gavar oil field.

5. USA | Gas reserves: 9.8 trillion cubic meters

More than half of this country's gas reserves are located in just four states: Texas, Colorado, Wyoming and Oklahoma. Also, about 5% of mineral resources are taken from the continental shelf, which is under the jurisdiction of the US government. The main gas producing companies in the country, which occupies the middle of the top leaders in gas production, are: BP, ExxonMobil.

4. Turkmenistan | Gas reserves: 17.5 trillion cubic meters

Natural gas is an integral part of the economy of Turkmenistan, which is one of the leaders in the production of this mineral. After all, most of the country’s reserves are spent on its export. All gas is produced in one field - Galkynysh. According to experts, it contains more than 25 trillion cubic meters.
Several years ago, plans included a project to build the Nabucco pipe. But he died due to the fault of the country's government. And high hopes were placed on him.

3. Qatar | Gas reserves: 24.5 trillion cubic meters

All liquefied gas production plants are located in one city in Qatar - Ras Laffan. The first plant was built in 1996, and gas supplies began a year later. Almost 85% of the total gas produced is supplied to European, Asian and North American markets. This became possible thanks to the favorable geographical location of the country, which took bronze in the ranking of leading states in gas production.

2. Russia | Gas reserves: 32.6 trillion cubic meters

Gas export is the most important part of the economy of Russia - the leader in production in this area. The natural resource is mined in Western Siberia (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug), the Urals, the Lower Volga region and the North Caucasus. Gas reserves account for more than 60% of all Russian resources.
The natural resource is transported through the Unified Gas Supply System and a network of gas pipelines more than 140 thousand km long.
The gas producer is the monopolist Gazprom, which provides 95% of the natural resource from all production in the country.

1. Iran | Gas reserves: 34 trillion cubic meters

All fields are located in the north of the country, which ranks first in gas production in the world, and on the shelf near the Persian Gulf. Foreign (French, Chinese, Belarusian) investors who came to the country back in the late 90s are working on the extraction of natural resources. True, they stopped their activities for a time when sanctions were introduced against Iran, but it seems that they can now return to the market again.
The country's authorities plan to increase gas production to 1 billion cubic meters per day by 2017. Iran's total reserves account for 18% of the world's reserves.

What else to see:

The article presents current and official data for 2016, based on the provided statistical information from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Modern human living conditions cannot be imagined without the presence of natural gas as fuel. Environmental friendliness, good thermal conductivity, easy transportability, relatively low price and other positive properties make it indispensable in many areas of human life, industry and the power industry.

In fact, the horizon is not so peaceful for the United States. And, as always, when it comes to energy, the economic fundamentals are as important as the political strategies of the producing countries. When the manufacturing countries meeting in the Trust, particularly Saudi Arabia, decided to keep production levels unchanged at the end of November, everyone was thinking about striking the United States.

Oil and gas are the backbone of the Russian economy and provide more than half of the government revenue available annually to the country under Vladimir Putin's presidency. Foreign operators, fearful of the consequences that free-falling oil could have on the Russian economy, began to reduce their exposure to the country: there was an outflow of capital. The defense of the exchange came at a huge cost in terms of national reserves of foreign gold and foreign currency.

World leaders in natural gas production in the world

The main consumers are not geographically located in the regions. This is due to the geographic distribution of industry and electricity, as well as population density in a particular region.

Since the 1970s, the largest consumption volumes have occurred in three regions of the globe: North America, Foreign Europe and CIS countries. Of these regions, only the United States of America and Canada can fully supply themselves with the necessary reserves of fuel resources. In other regions, large consumption does not come from their own resources - exports from producing countries predominate.

In all this, Europe can do no more than look on. Russia is the first gas exporter in Italy with a share of 38%. However, given the deterioration of relations with Europe, the situation will soon change. Like the United States, Moscow is also pointing to Asia. And in December he signed twenty trade agreements with India in the energy sector. In addition, Moscow reached an agreement with the Ankara government to increase gas supplies to Turkey by 3 billion cubic meters. M by strengthening the Blue Stream gas pipeline.

Producing countries in the Middle East and North Africa have always played a key role in meeting the demand of consuming countries, especially Asian and European consumers. And it will continue to be critical, according to the International Energy Agency, with some of the world's largest oil and gas reserves and production costs that remain particularly low. However, even in this case, the geopolitical alignment can quickly change. The Islamic State then took over large parts of Iraq and western Syria, restricting crude oil supplies and seizing some production on the black market.

The diagram shows the main gas production areas in the world, with individual countries taken as the area. In total, all indicators are taken as 100%, not counting the remaining territories, which account for small size development. The unit of measurement in the diagram is billion cubic meters.

Finally, in some countries, a growing share of production may support domestic consumption at the expense of European buyers. Despite the complexity of the political framework, after the deterioration of relations with Russia, Europe and Italy, they are increasingly interested in North Africa. “The energy problem will be more North-South oriented, and this confirms the importance of relations between European Union and Africa, as well as between Italy and Algeria,” said Council President Matteo Renzi.

In this context, it increases coal consumption. Despite environmental agreements and proclamations, consumption of this fossil fuel is expected to increase on a global scale. In the future, coal demand may be stimulated by the development of gasification for the production of synthetic gas and hydrocarbons, especially in China.

In terms of natural gas production, more than 25% of the world's total belongs to the United States, which occupies a leading position. Second place is occupied by Russia, which accounts for about 20 percent of the total production of the ten leading regions.

The position of countries in the list of leaders in gas production does not at all mean the leadership of these same countries in global fuel trade, that is, export to other regions of the world. For 2016, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries compiled a rating of states that are export-oriented, of which eight are leading.

The occasion is wasted, that is, the announcement of a declared death. In a completely unprecedented comparison between the voices opposing the extractive activities produced and enhanced by the means mass media, and nothing contrary to it. Almost the issue was of local importance, and it did not concern the entire country, its economy, its industry, its growth.

Last but not least: his energy security, a term that is so overused that he considers it irrelevant in facts and policy. This is why you can talk about a chronicle of a declared death with a seemingly desired outcome, where everything seems to play into the hope that a quorum is reached or not. How to bet on the highest card. If this is achieved, it is almost certain to be a victory without triv. For the simple reason that the media, from the mainstream press to public television, disinformation has so far triumphed, arguing the arguments of opponents without saying anything about others.

The twenty largest gas fields contain about 1,200 billion cubic meters of gas. The geography of areas that are rich in this natural resource is confined to the territories of the following countries of the world:

1. Russia. 9 of the largest fuel deposits out of 20 are located on land Russian Federation. Most of them were opened in the 60-80s of the last century. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, three new large deposits were discovered in Russia, which were included in the TOP 20: West Kamchatka, Leningradskoye and Rusanovskoye (read also -).
2. USA. The subregion contains 4 largest deposits, which were discovered in the mid-1960s and began to be intensively used at the end of the 20th century.
3. Qatar and Iran. There are two rich places here, one of which simultaneously occupies state lands of Qatar and Iran.
4. Turkmenistan. There is only one rich place that is among the leaders in gas reserves.
5. China. One large deposit, which was discovered in 2008 and took tenth place in the TOP-20 states in terms of resource reserves ().
6. Algeria. The last three lines in the ranking are occupied by Algerian regions. Hassi Mel is the oldest in the country, discovered back in 1957, but until now it is also the largest in Algeria in terms of its reserves. The other two were opened in 2004 and 2006.

The first place in the list of the largest fields is occupied by North or South Pars, which is located within two countries - Qatar and Iran, as well as in the water area of ​​the Persian oil and gas basin and the Gulf. It was discovered in 1991 and currently its reserves exceed 270 billion cubic meters. The Persian Gulf is a global giant not only in terms of the presence of deposits, but also in terms of production volumes in the Asian oil and gas region.

There is no reason why any common sense citizen can advocate for activities proclaimed every day - causing irreparable damage to health, nature, territory, fisheries, tourism and agriculture. Without this - proclaims every day - there is no benefit for the people or the whole country, because, according to the statement, only the famous multinational oil will win. The fact that this is all just propaganda is irrelevant, nor is the fact that there is no rush to prove that oil or methane extraction is damaging tourism, fishing, agriculture.

After the opening of the new Galkynysh place in Turkmenistan in 2006, it took second place in the list of world leaders. It owns 210 billion cubic meters of resource, the deposits of which are located within the Murghab oil and gas basin.

The third place belongs to the Russian Federation, namely the Urengoy region, confined to the West Siberian oil and gas basin. It was discovered in 1996; as of 2016, its reserves amount to 10.2 trillion cubic meters.

As it would be, but it would be more difficult to study the foreign experience of cooperation between the oil industry and French farms, British universities, and Norwegian fishermen. But that doesn't mean anything. Apart from opposing each other among the thousands of mysticisms that are spreading: oil production is ahistorical, since it is now the cornerstone source of the world's energy supply and punishes new renewable resources, while it should be known that the former is used almost exclusively in transport, and the latter - in power generation.

Main gas production areas in the world

Below is a map that reflects the geography of the largest gas fields throughout the globe. The main deposits of blue fuel are concentrated within the leading states on an annual basis.

The same can be said about the risks of irresponsible environmental disasters, taking the case of Macondo in the Gulf of Mexico on our shores. On the other hand, nothing is said about the main issue: preventing the use of domestic oil or methane, preferring to import it, possibly from Libya, by funding militias in the war; means spending billions of euros abroad rather than allocating them to domestic growth; means helping other businesses at the expense of ours. Because fear, like slander, weighs more than any assurance or denial.

The largest mineral reserves are located within the following deposits on the planet:

• Gulf of Mexico and Alaska in the United States of America;
• in the Russian Federation, the southern and northern regions of Western Siberia, the territories of the Far East and Sakhalin, the shelves of two seas - the Barents and Kara;
• fields located within Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia of the Persian Gulf;
• the southern regions of Turkmenistan, whose minerals are exported to three countries - Poland, Ukraine and Hungary;
• Algeria and Nigeria are the only subregions in Africa with natural gas reserves. The fuel is different here high quality, which is missing great content harmful impurities and slags;
• in the Norwegian North Sea. The volumes of natural gas deposits are considered the largest in Europe;
• Canadian lands contain several of the largest areas within the island of Newfoundland in the northern provinces, including the shelf of the Western Canadian Basin;
• In China, the main gas production areas are concentrated in the Tari Basin

OPEC statistics indicate that with the growing consumption of blue fuel on the planet, the remaining reserves will only last for the next 65 years. All state deposits contain no more than 180 trillion cubic meters of flammable material. More than 120 trillion are fuel reserves that have not yet been explored, since they lie at very great depths in the earth’s crust and are practically inaccessible for global production.

Instead, think about this: what will happen if the referendum passes. First: there would be a full political and instrumental reading of the referendum response, regardless of what questions were put to voters. Secondly, because a victory without triva would have the same consequences as nuclear energy: the destruction of an entire industry - electromechanical, in which tens of tens of thousands of employees, a large number of engineers, excellent production skills, scientific and academic knowledge are among the first in the world.

Everything is destroyed: factories, businesses, schools, professionalism. With the victory of the net-triva, we would have the same result: the destruction of another Italian industry, not so much the mining industry, which would not have difficulty moving its investments abroad, but the one that produces goods and services for it. An industry that goes back to the unity of Italy, which is divided into hundreds of companies gathered in the areas of oil services, especially in Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Abruzzo, which boasts a highly valued technological specialization, with the exception of Italy.

We present to your attention a list of states that produce and export natural gas in huge quantities.
10. Algeria. Gas reserves: 4.5 trillion cubic meters

Algeria ranks 10th in world gas production. The amount of gas in this North African country is 2.5% of world reserves. And half of this number is mined at the Hassi R’Mei deposit, located in the southeast of the country. Gas producing companies such as Total and Shell have been operating in this country for decades. Three plants with 15 production lines are engaged in gas production. Two of them are located in the city of Arzev and one in the city of Skikda.

Yes, the referendum will be its final end. This is the real game at stake: although they are more likely to ignore the general indifference and irresponsibility of those who should look at the interests of the country than at their electoral dividends. America's achievement of energy independence tipped the world's geopolitical balance and contributed to a collapse in oil prices that increased supply, eclipsing demand during the dark years of the recession.

The Shale Gas Revolution The Stars and Stripes miracle is the result of a “revolution” at least twenty years ago and was realized through the massive use of fracturing or hydraulic fracturing techniques. It was Texas engineer George Mitchell who, in the late 1980s, succeeded in making economical production of “shale gas,” natural gas trapped in the microporosity of low-permeability clay rocks, possible by combining two methods: horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, which later proved effective and in unconventional oil production from fields.

9. Nigeria. Gas reserves: 5.1 trillion cubic meters

This country ranks first in gas production on the African continent. Also, it is a member of OPEC. And this despite the fact that Nigeria has a high level of corruption, political instability, a weak economy and poorly developed infrastructure. Nigeria is a very gas-dependent country, with profits from its exports accounting for 95% of its foreign exchange earnings. In 2010, Nigeria became a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas. After all, the volume of this exported natural resource is 21.9 million tons.

This process can be accomplished either by using existing wells, extending their length, or creating new ones, but the enormous potential comes hand in hand with costs that far exceed traditional mine production. Ecological problem. Of water being used in significant quantities even in places where the resource is always scarce, such as Texas, where aquifers are already at risk of depletion. Another problem is pollution: when it begins to produce oil and gas, it also rises to the surface with polluted natural waters. chemical substances in soil or added.

8. Venezuela. Gas reserves: 5.6 trillion cubic meters

This country's gas reserves account for 2.9% of the world's. But most of them are gas associated with oil. Most of the deposits are located in Norte De Pario (an area north of Trinidad and Tobago). But the gas sector in Venezuela is not very developed, which is holding back its development. The main gas pipelines are owned by PDVSA GAS.

Not only do aquifers that serve residents of the affected area risk poisoning if they are too close to wells. So much so that in Pennsylvania it is no longer possible to search for gas and oil under state forests - two-thirds are located above the Marcellus Shale - or even buried from adjacent private lands, as in the golden age. Bad vibrations All environmental pollution and health risks are reported as the main frequency of earthquakes in crack areas. All of this has an impact on industries, forcing them to invest more to ensure installation safety and gradually reduce the footprint.

7. UAE. Gas reserves: 6.1 trillion cubic meters

Most of this country's gas reserves are located in its capital, Dubai. Oil fields are located there and there is a Khuff gas reserve. In 1977, the first liquefied gas plant was built in the UAE by ADGAS. Currently, it is engaged in processing natural gas from all oil fields of the country.

With the price of oil below the psychological threshold of $30, oil production is no longer convenient. Weak traders left the market or joined large companies, joining capital and, above all, technology to compete with large companies and try to reduce production costs. Supply is not falling because the efficiency of production processes has increased compared to the past thanks to the drilling site, for example, which allows one number of wells to be drilled from one location.

Or “rephrasing”, that is, hydraulic “re-fracture” of well-fractured wells - an operation that allows for a 100% increase in production at very low cost. Not to mention, “unconventional” wells are immune to the “time” factor: they don’t take years to reach peak production and can be started in a few weeks or, if necessary, stop waiting for better prices.

6. Saudi Arabia. Gas reserves: 8.2 trillion cubic meters

All oil and gas fields belong to the only state-owned company in the country - Saudi Aramco. It is a monopolist in this area. In total, there are more than 70 deposits in Saudi Arabia, located in 8 regions of the country. Currently, gas production is accelerating. This is due to economic diversification. The country, which is one of the leaders in the production of this natural resource, plans to increase gas supply to the world market. As for the mixed oil and gas fields, found back in the late 20th century, they are located in the oil fields of Kirkuk. Pure deposits, constituting 1/5 of the country's total reserves, are located in the Gavar oil field.

5. USA. Gas reserves: 9.8 trillion cubic meters

More than half of this country's gas reserves are located in just four states: Texas, Colorado, Wyoming and Oklahoma. Also, about 5% of mineral resources are taken from the continental shelf, which is under the jurisdiction of the US government. The main gas producing companies in the country, which occupies the middle of the top leaders in gas production, are: BP, ExxonMobil.

4. Turkmenistan. Gas reserves: 17.5 trillion cubic meters

Natural gas is an integral part of the economy of Turkmenistan, which is one of the leaders in the production of this mineral. After all, most of the country’s reserves are spent on its export. All gas is produced in one field - Galkynysh. According to experts, it contains more than 25 trillion cubic meters. Several years ago, plans included a project to build the Nabucco pipe. But he died due to the fault of the country's government. And high hopes were placed on him.

3. Qatar. Gas reserves: 24.5 trillion cubic meters

All liquefied gas production plants are located in one city in Qatar - Ras Laffan. The first plant was built in 1996, and gas supplies began a year later. Almost 85% of the total gas produced is supplied to European, Asian and North American markets. This became possible thanks to the favorable geographical location of the country, which took bronze in the ranking of leading states in gas production.

2. Russia. Gas reserves: 32.6 trillion cubic meters

Gas export is the most important part of the economy of Russia - the leader in production in this area. The natural resource is mined in Western Siberia (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug), the Urals, the Lower Volga region and the North Caucasus. Gas reserves account for more than 60% of all Russian resources. The natural resource is transported through the Unified Gas Supply System and a network of gas pipelines more than 140 thousand km long. The gas producer is the monopolist Gazprom, which provides 95% of the natural resource from all production in the country.

1. Iran. Gas reserves: 34 trillion cubic meters

All fields are located in the north of the country, which ranks first in gas production in the world, and on the shelf near the Persian Gulf. Foreign (French, Chinese, Belarusian) investors who came to the country back in the late 90s are working on the extraction of natural resources. True, they stopped their activities for a time when sanctions were introduced against Iran, but it seems that they can now return to the market again. The country's authorities plan to increase gas production to 1 billion cubic meters per day by 2017. Iran's total reserves account for 18% of the world's reserves.

The article presents current and official data for 2016, based on the provided statistical information from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Modern human living conditions cannot...

The article presents current and official data for 2016, based on the provided statistical information from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Modern human living conditions cannot...

Natural gas is a mineral formed as a result of anaerobic decomposition of organic substances under the influence high temperature and pressure.

Dead organisms sank to the seabed, forming silty sediments, which, due to geological displacements, penetrated to great depths.

It was there that a process took place over millions of years in which the carbon contained in sedimentary rocks became part of compounds called hydrocarbons. This .

Characteristics

Natural gas in the conditions of occurrence in the bowels of the Earth (reservoir conditions) represents autonomous accumulations or deposits. it forms in the form of a cap - this is the so-called free gas.

It can also exist in crystalline or dissolved form.

Natural gas is not a homogeneous substance.

Its main part is methane (CH4), the simplest hydrocarbon (98%). It also contains methane homologues:

• butane (C4H10);
• propane (C3H8);
• ethane (C2H6).

and some non-hydrocarbon impurities:

• helium (He);
• nitrogen (N2);
• hydrogen sulfide (H2S);
• hydrogen (H2);
• carbon dioxide (CO2).

Natural gas in pure form odorless and colorless. In order to detect leakage, a small proportion of odorants is added to it. Most often, ethyl mercaptan (a sulfur-containing substance), which is characterized by a sharp, unpleasant odor, is used for this purpose.

Deposits and reserves

In post-Soviet territory, the largest natural gas deposits are in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan (Karachaganak field) and Turkmenistan.

Russia's share in the global production market is more than 20%.

The main places of deposits are concentrated in the Volga-Ural, Timan-Pechora and West Siberian gas-bearing provinces, as well as in the Far East and the North Caucasus.

• Urengoyskoe The field ranks second in the world in terms of natural gas reserves. It is located in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Tyumen Region. Gas production began here in 1978.
• Nakhodkinskoe The field is located in the Bolshekhetskaya depression of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. According to experts, gas reserves in this place exceed 275 billion cubic meters. Its development started in 2004.
• Angaro-Lenskoye the deposit was discovered in beginning of XXI centuries. It is located in the Irkutsk region, near the Angara and Lena rivers, according to which it was given its name. Natural gas reserves amount to approximately 1.4 trillion cubic meters.
• Kovyktinskoye The deposit is located 450 km northeast of the city of Irkutsk, on a high-mountain plateau covered by dark coniferous taiga. Climatic conditions in this area are very severe. Part of the territory is dominated by permafrost. Besides, a large number of Canyons complicate the terrain of this area. The amount of natural gas reserves reaches two trillion cubic meters and 120 million tons of liquid gas condensate.
• Shtokmanskoe The gas condensate field is one of the largest in the world. Its discovery occurred in 1988. Location - the central part of the Barents Sea shelf, approximately 600 km northeast of the city of Murmansk. The volume of gas reserves is 3.8 trillion cubic meters. Due to the great depth of gas occurrence, as well as difficult development conditions, production has not yet been carried out here. The implementation of a project to obtain mineral resources requires high-tech equipment and significant costs.

It should also be noted that there are large natural gas fields in Russia and the CIS countries.

• Igrimskoye and Pokhromskoye (Berezovsky gas-bearing region).
• Pelachiadinskoe and Severo-Stavropolskoe (Stavropol Territory).
• Dagestan Lights (Dagestan).
• Bayram-Ali, Shatlyk, Kyzylkum (Central Asia).
• Ust-Silginskoye and Myldzhinskoye (Vasyugan gas-bearing region).

Other countries

In addition to Russia, the countries with the most gas reserves include Iran (fields on the Persian Gulf shelf), Saudi Arabia (Gawar field), Qatar (Rnoe field).

Gas production in Europe fell by last years by almost one third, with a significant increase in prices. Development is underway in the UK, Germany, France, Poland, Ukraine, Austria, Romania. These European countries contain mainly shale gas, but its extraction is expensive and environmentally unsafe.

The United States is ahead of Russia in gas production, but a process of decreasing volumes is already noticeable. America is finding new markets; it is preparing to export shale gas to Europe.

Extraction methods

Natural gas is produced through wells, by extracting it from the depths. During this process, the formation pressure in the reservoir decreases rhythmically, due to the fact that the wells are distributed evenly throughout the field. Natural gas fills microscopic voids in the earth's interior.

Under natural pressure

They are connected to each other through crack channels, through which gaseous substances move from pores with low pressure to pores with higher pressure until they end up in the well and begin to rise upward.

This natural gas contains various impurities that are eliminated at gas processing plants or at special stations for subsequent transportation.

From the coal mines

There are several other extraction methods.

Extracting methane gas from coal mines to prevent explosions. This fishery is actively practiced in the USA. Gas formation occurs exclusively in the gap between anthracite and brown coal.

Hydraulic fracturing

Most ra A popular technique is hydraulic fracturing, the principle of which is to inject a water or air stream through a well.

As a result of this technique, the partitions are destroyed and minerals rise out.

In some countries this method is prohibited as it may cause an earthquake.

Under the water

As is known, most large gas fields are located under water. For mining near coastline inclined wells are built, directed towards the water. High piles are installed at shallow depths.

To work in fields in depth zones from 100 to 300 meters, floating platforms are used, at the corners of which stabilizing elements like columns are located.

A drilling derrick is installed in the center.

In the area where the drilling process will take place, the supports are lowered to the bottom and then deepened into the ground.

At particularly great depths (up to 3000 meters), semi-submersible platforms are used. They are placed on pontoons and held in place by 15-ton anchors. Gravity-type platforms are considered the most stable. The supporting columns are constructed of concrete.

They are equipped not only with drilling rigs, but also with tanks with pipelines in which raw materials are stored.

Technological process

The main equipment for natural gas production is a drilling rig.

It is a four-legged metal tower, the height of which is from 20 to 30 meters. A thick steel pipe with a drill at the lower end is suspended from it. Its rotation occurs under the action of the rotor. The pipe is lengthened as the depth of the well increases, into which a special liquid mass is injected so that the destroyed rocks do not clog it. This is done using a pump through a pipe.

The solution cleans the space between the pipe and the walls of the well, removing limestone and sandstone. The liquid that washes away the destroyed rocks simultaneously promotes the rotation of the drill. Until the bottom of the well is reached, the mud is responsible for rotating the turbine attached to the drilling rig. This device is called a turbo drill.

The improved mechanism involves the operation of several turbines mounted on a common shaft. Since the extracted gas is under high pressure in the subsurface, a series of steel bolts are installed to lift it through the pipes, which control the release and prevent accidents associated with the high speed of its release.

Storage and transportation

The extracted natural gas is stored in special sealed, gas-tight tanks.

Special steel containers that have double walls are designed for liquefied raw materials. They can also be made from durable aluminum alloys. As a rule, a non-thermal conductive material is laid between the walls to prevent the gas from heating.

The largest gas storage facilities are created underground. Dense rock layers act as walls. To prevent the rocks from being destroyed, they are concreted. Storage for liquefied gases can be in the form of a deep mine working. It is a pit or pit, which is hermetically closed with a metal hatch.

The main method of gas transportation is pipeline. The movement is carried out through pipes with a large diameter.

The pressure is 75 atmospheres. It is stably maintained at a certain level, thanks to the presence of compressor stations located at a fixed distance from each other.

Gas is also transported using tankers (gas carriers).

They transport liquefied gas under thermobaric conditions. This method involves a number of preparatory processes for the use of tankers.

It is necessary to extend a gas pipeline to the seashore, equip a liquefaction plant and build a port.

This method of transportation is economically justified, especially if the consumer is located at a distance of more than 3000 km from the point of production.

Impact of gas production systems on the environment

35% of the total emissions into the atmosphere are waste from stationary sources related to the gas production system. Of these, only 20% are captured and neutralized. This is a fairly low figure among all industrial sectors. The gas transportation system has a significant technogenic impact on environment. Approximately 70% of all emissions enter the atmosphere. The following operations are carried out at gas compressor stations, which are accompanied by the release of harmful substances:

• purging of the gas pipeline (volley release);
• lubrication of the degassing tank;
• activation of pneumatic valves.

If there are odorization stations, a certain amount of odorant may be released during the transfer of odorizing substances from the storage tank to the working tank.

Large-scale combustion of gas leads to the greenhouse effect, read about it here