In order to expedite the development of shale gas, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) is framing a policy on shale gas and identification of blocks for development of shale gas. It is relatively easy to discover shale gas but possibly difficult to develop. There is no doubt that US is far advanced in development of shale gas exploration and exploitation.

The advantage of US expertise should be taken to reduce the time for development from 10-12 years to 5-6 years.

This bilateral conference will address issues related to policies/ regulations, investments, and technologies that may reduce the cycle time for shale gas development.

As elaborated above, shale gas play in India is an important domain, but the knowledge base in India is in nascent stage. An effective government policy framework is required for the shale gas blocks to be explored and exploited. PDPU has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Oklahoma to promote education and research on shale gas.

A memorandum of understanding is entered by and between:

• Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, University of Oklahoma – a non-profit Oklahoma education institute with a registered address at 100, E-Boyd Street, Norman, Oklahoma.

• Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University Established by the Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University Act, 2007; Acts of the Gujarat Legislature and Ordinances promulgated and Regulations made by the Governor of Gujarat, India located at Raisan, Gandhinagar - 382007.

• The memorandum of understanding expresses mutual interest among parties to promote education and research on shale gas.

• The creation of centre of research on shale gas is to advance the mutual objectives of parties and to take the advantage of their complimentary strength.

• The development of collaborations with industries to promote shale gas and train human resource to use appropriate technology.

• Work together to develop the viable and sustainable model for funding of the research and education effort, which may include support of the centre, and of research projects in areas of interest to the parties related to shale gas.