China to become second largest shale-gas producer by 2035

BP's chief economist predicts the Chinese will be second only to North America

China will become the world’s second largest shale-gas producer by 2035, behind only North America, according to BP’s chief economist. However, Spencer Dale added the company did not believe there will be any significant shale production in the UK or Europe over the next 20 years. From 2025 to 2035, China’s shale-gas production will expand by an average 33% per year. By 2035, China and the US will pump some 85% of global shale-gas output, BP latest Energy Outlook shows.  Dale attributed the explosive growth to China’s rich shale-gas resources – estimated at 1,115 trillion cubic feet (cf) and nearly double the US’ resource – as well as government policy support for exploration, and China’s ac