Is there fracking in the Karoo?
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Shale in the Karoo The Karoo is the geographic area that is the focus of future hydraulic fracturing in South Africa, derived from a word in the local language meaning “dry”.
What areas in South Africa will be affected by fracking?
Fracking in the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System that covers Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and where there are no permanent rivers, could have an impact on the groundwater of all three countries. Groundwater is extremely important to this region.
Where is shale gas found in South Africa?
the Karoo Basin
South Africa’s shale gas resources are located in the Karoo Basin, which covers nearly two-thirds of South Africa. Estimates of recoverable resources in the Karoo have varied widely over the years. For example, one recent estimate found 40 times less shale gas in the Karoo than previously thought.
How do you get gas out of shale?
For shale gas, hydraulic fracturing of a reservoir is the preferred stimulation method (see graphic below). This typically involves injecting pressurized fluids to stimulate or fracture shale formations and release the natural gas. Sand pumped in with the fluids (often water) helps to keep the fractures open.
Does South Africa Frack?
But their efforts are being contested by environmental groups, such as Greenpeace and Earthlife Africa, leading the South African government to place a moratorium on all further fracking permits. …
What is the impact of fracking in the Karoo?
Fracking has been shown to increase the frequency of small earth tremors. But the Karoo is exceptionally seismically stable, and the increased risk of dangerously large earthquakes was judged by the scientific assessment to be small. The risk to water resources is the biggest concern to all those involved.
How will South Africa benefit from fracking?
Government tax revenue would increase by R35bn a year. If 10% or 20% of the reserves can be turned to account, the long-term economic benefits for South Africa would be enormous. In conclusion, fracking is seen as an alternative energy source for a country that has a significant energy shortage.
Why must shale be fractured to get gas out?
Why doesn’t shale release its natural gas without being fractured? (Natural gas doesn’t flow easily out of the shale because it is not very permeable. The fracturing process increases the permeability of the shale so natural gas can flow out.)
What are two most commonly used technologies for extracting shale gas resources explain each?
As noted, horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing are the two technologies that together have the potential to unlock the tighter shale gas formations.
Why is natural gas extraction in the Karoo is promoted as the solution to South Africa’s energy crisis?
Natural gas extraction is being promoted as the solution to South Africa’s energy crisis. Shell and other energy companies want to harness the untapped reserves of natural gas below the Karoo using fracking. This is meeting stiff opposition, particularly from residents of the Karoo who are concerned about the risks.
Is there shale gas exploration in the Karoo Basin?
Shell in the Karoo Basin. Other academic been mapping sills and dykes in the Karoo. geological and geophysical data in this area. gas development in South African. These reports before companies started exploring. One was the 4 ). The second was produced by a chapters/ ). GKp2_wcx4M. effort to prepar e for shale gas exploration. This are.
What is the Karoo Basin in South Africa?
The Karoo Basin reaches 600,000 sq km in central and southern South Africa and contains thick, organic rich shales such as the Permian Whitehill Formation. Until recently, the Karoo Basin was not considered prospective for productive hydrocarbons resulting in very limited modern hydrocarbon exploration onshore in South Africa.
What is the status of shale gas exploration in South Africa?
In September 2012, the South African Government announced a decision to lift the moratorium on the processing of existing shale gas exploration permit applications following the publication of regulations (expected in Q2 2013), and consequently the Board expects that the exploration right over the acreage will be awarded in the second half of 2013.
Who owns the oil in the Karoo?
Africa, P etroSA. T he original state-owned oil and PASA. PetroSA is currently in partnership with Shell in the Karoo Basin. Other academic been mapping sills and dykes in the Karoo.