CNPC Joins Hands with Shell for Shale Gas Project     


China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) said in a statement on November 25th, 2009 the company started the development of shale gas partnering with Shell at Fushun-Yongchuan block in Chengdu, Sichuan province, to meet the growing demand for energy in China.
   On November 10th, 2009, the two companies signed a deal in Beijing to jointly evaluate shale gas potential for the block.
   Shale is usually gas bearing, and widely distributed with large thickness. Shale gas, produced from shale, is an important unconventional natural gas resource and stands longer producing life compared to conventional gas resources.