Indonesia plans to launch tenders for the development of shale gas fields later this year, aiming to tap an estimated 1,000 tcf.
"We will open tenders for development of onshore shale gas fields located in eastern Indonesia this year," said Edy Hermantoro, an upstream oil and gas director at the ministry of energy and mineral resources.
"A study from Bandung Technology University states that Indonesia holds 1,000 tcf of shale gas reserves," said Edy, who declined to give details on the number or location of the country's potential shale gas fields.
"We are preparing development mechanisms for shale gas fields. Currently, we have held joint studies with a company," said Edy, who added that shale gas development would be economic if the reserves are located no deeper than 300-400 m.
Up to now, Indonesia has had no experience with shale gas development, and Edy's remarks represent the first public statement on shale gas development by any government official.
A study published in 2004 attributed to Indonesia a coalbed methane resource of 450 tcf in 11 onshore basins (SPE 88630). CBM development is in its infancy in Indonesia.
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