The Energy Information Administration has released “World Shale
Gas Resources,” an important commissioned report providing an
assessment of how much natural gas is locked in shale deposits
in 14 regions around the world. (Here’s its overview of shale
gas in the United States.) Here’s a map of the surveyed regions:
The report includes some pretty remarkable numbers from
countries that currently have limited domestic gas options,
including China and quite a few western European nations that
have been held somewhat hostage by Russia. Its publication comes
in sync with a disturbing article in The Times noting how much
crop production, including tropical staples such as cassava, is
being diverted to making biofuels. I sent the following query to
a batch of people immersed in assessing and/or developing the
world’s energy menu but it’s a query for you, as well, of course
(I’ve tweaked it to remove some e-mail shorthand): I would
greatly appreciate some reflection from you on the new shale gas
assessment from EIA (g