RNS: Recent studies indicate a promising potential for shale gas generation in the eastern region of the South Karanpura coalfield, located in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. Evidence derived from microscopic palynomorphs and organic remains, combined with geochemical assessments, reveals that the eastern Sirka coalfield shows higher hydrocarbon generation potential compared to the northern Giddi coalfield.
The South Karanpura coalfield is known for its 28 major coal blocks, boasting substantial deposits of workable coal. However, as energy demands rise and interest in hydrocarbon exploration grows, attention is shifting towards the potential for coal bed methane and shale gas generation in the region. This transition to green energy emphasizes the need for an environment conducive to hydrocarbon preservation, crucial for the nation’s energy strategy.
Hydrocarbon generation potential in a source rock largely depends on the concentration of organic matter, which is influenced by specific environmental conditions. To evaluate this potential, researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) in Lucknow conducted a comprehensive study. They analyzed microscopic remains such as pollen and spores, alongside a laboratory method called Rock-Eval pyrolysis, to assess the rock samples from the Sirka and Giddi C areas of the Damodar Basin.
Samples were collected from coal, carbonaceous shale, and sandstone layers at the freshly exposed quarry faces of the Sirka and Giddi C Collieries in the Hazaribagh district. Key parameters analyzed included palynofacies, free hydrocarbons (S1), heavy hydrocarbons (S2), pyrolyzable carbon (PC), and residual hydrocarbons (RC).
The sediments, belonging to the Permian (Barakar) deposits, indicate favorable conditions for significant hydrocarbon resource potential in the eastern South Karanpura coalfield. This research, published in the Journal of Asian Earth Sciences-X, provides vital insights for guiding future exploration efforts, which could enhance energy resource development and bolster national energy security. Further studies are recommended to confirm the economic viability of hydrocarbon exploration in the area.
Notably, Shale gas is a natural gas trapped within shale formations, serving as both the reservoir and source rock. Its extraction usually employs methods like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
