Review of unconventional hydrocarbon resources in major energy consuming countries and efforts in realizing natural gas hydrates as a future source of energy

This paper reviews the unconventional hydrocarbon energy scenario in the major energy consuming economies, including China, the United States of America, India and Japan. Even though policies are adopted to promote nuclear and renewable energy sources, they cannot immediately replace conventional hydrocarbon resources, and hence, unconventional hydrocarbon resources need to be exploited. The strategies adopted in exploring unconventional hydrocarbon resources, the availability and developments in the areas of shale and tight gas, coalbed methane and natural gas hydrate resources, are discussed. In the present unconventional hydrocarbon scenario, an accelerated effort for natural gas hydrate exploitation is inevitable for India and Japan.