Chinese government holds unconventionals key

The only independent oil and gas operator in China stresses the importance of policy and partnership with Beijing

"The government invited us alongside four heavyweights of the time — all now swallowed by mergers or no longer with us, whereas we are still here. We have done quite well in our niche; we started off in that pack, the pack has gone but we remain." So says Randeep Grewal, chief executive of G3 Exploration, operator and developer of eight Chinese coal-bed methane (CBM) licences, of his firm's journey that started with its first licence in 1997. Grewal spoke to Petroleum Economist at the end of February, identifying a number of drivers for G3's longevity, not least patience and luck. But he stresses that the commitment of the Chinese government to unconventional gas resources in general, and CB