This study presents a critical historical review of shale gas exploration and development in China from 2000 to 2020. It reviews achievements in theoretical and technological understandings by summarizing successful experiences in commercial development and prospects for future development. The analytical review implies that shale gas has become an emerging unconventional resource of energy, gaining much importance as a substitution over the past two decades with the use of cutting-edge technology. The developing proportion of natural gas in China's energy utilization system and the success of its commercial potential, along with significant progress in the prospective evaluation and pilot testing, indicates that shale gas is likely to be the most reliable future source of energy in China. The production of shale gas in the Sichuan Basin and its environs has relied on technological advancements in six areas: comprehensive geological evaluation; development optimization; fast drilling of horizontal wells; volume fracturing of horizontal wells; factory-like operation, and efficient and clean production. Further, the accomplishment of economic development of shale gas can be summarized from four key factors: (a) optimized horizontal section targets; (b) supporting technologies for effective and fast drilling and volume fracturing stimulation; (c) geological and engineering integration; (d) advanced organization and management. Lastly, with an anticipated 30 to 60 billion m3 yearly commercial output in China indicates that shale gas has an immense usage potential to support future natural gas production growth. The given analytical, historical review is significantly helpful for stakeholders to formulate policies concerning the exploration industry.
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