Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 셰일 가스 시장은 2025년 964억 달러를 차지하고 예측 기간 중 CAGR 7.9%로 성장해 2032년까지 1,842억 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
셰일 가스는 세립의 퇴적암인 혈암층 내에 갇힌 천연가스의 일종입니다. 셰일 가스는 채굴 기술의 진보에 의해 중요한 에너지원이 되었고, 이전에는 접근할 수 없었던 매장량이 경제적으로 이용 가능하게 되었습니다.
2022년 미국 에너지 정보국(EIA)에 따르면 셰일층으로부터의 미국 건식 천연 가스 생산량은 약 28조 5,000억 입방 피트(Tcf)로, 2022년 미국 건식 천연 가스 생산량 전체의 약 80%에 해당합니다.
천연가스 수요 증가
천연가스 수요의 확대는 셰일가스 시장에 큰 영향을 주어 경제 성장과 에너지안보를 촉진하고 있습니다. 또한, 셰일가스와 같은 보다 깨끗한 에너지원으로의 이동은 온실가스의 배출삭감에 공헌해, 기후 변화와 싸우는 세계의 대처와 일치하고, 보다 지속 가능한 에너지의 미래를 촉진하고 있습니다.
규제 당국의 감시와 여론의 반대
규제의 조사와 여론의 반대는 성장과 확장의 장벽이 되고, 시장에 악영향을 미치고 있습니다. 수질오염, 대기질, 지진 활동에 대한 우려로 인한 여론의 반대는 항의운동, 법적 과제, 심지어 지역에 따라서는 수압파쇄의 금지로 이어지고 있습니다.
에너지 안보와 독립성
에너지의 안전보장과 독립성은 외국으로부터의 석유 및 가스 수입에 대한 의존도를 낮춤으로써 시장에 플러스의 영향을 주고 있습니다. 이 시프트는 경제의 안정을 뒷받침하고 지역의 고용 창출을 촉진하고 국가 안보를 강화합니다.
높은 탐광 및 생산 비용
높은 탐광 및 생산 비용은 기업의 수익성을 제한하고 재무 위험을 증가시키기 때문에 시장의 중대한 부정적인 요인이 되고 있습니다. 석유 및 가스 가격이 변동하기 때문에 특히 상품 가격이 침체하고 있는 시기에는 기업이 이러한 비용을 회수하기 어려워질 가능성이 있습니다.
COVID-19의 영향
COVID-19의 대유행은 시장에 심각한 영향을 주었고, 가동 중단과 산업 활동의 저하로 세계 에너지 수요의 급격한 침체를 일으켰습니다. 금융 불안과 투자의 감소도, 탐광 및 굴삭 활동에 영향을 주었습니다. 또한, 유통은 공급 체인과 노동력의 확보를 혼란시켜, 위기적 상황하에서의 셰일 가스 사업의 성장과 개발을 더욱 방해했습니다.
예측 기간 동안 수평 드릴링 부문이 최대화될 전망
수평 드릴링 부문은 예측 기간 동안 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다.
예측 기간 동안 CAGR이 가장 높은 것은 발전 부문입니다.
셰일 가스는 석탄 및 기타 화석 연료를 대체하는 보다 깨끗하고 비용 효율적인 옵션을 제공하기 때문에 예측 기간 동안 발전 분야가 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양이 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 기술적 한계, 규제상의 장애물, 환경문제 등의 과제가 급속한 성장을 방해하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미가 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한 시장의 성장을 밀어 올려 산업부문과 발전부문이 보다 깨끗한 연료로 이동하는 것을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 또한, 에너지 자립에 대한 대처와 정부의 유리한 정책이 셰일 가스 생산을 한층 더 밀어주고, 북미의 에너지 정세의 중요한 구성 요소가 되고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Shale Gas Market is accounted for $96.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $184.2 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period. Shale gas is a type of natural gas that is found trapped within shale formations, which are fine-grained sedimentary rocks. This gas is primarily methane and is extracted through a process known as hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," where water, sand, and chemicals are injected into the shale to release the gas. Shale gas has become an important energy source due to advances in extraction technology, making previously inaccessible reserves economically viable. It has contributed to the global energy supply and has been considered a cleaner alternative to coal, though concerns about environmental impact and water use remain significant.
According to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in 2022, U.S. dry natural gas production from shale formations was about 28.5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) and equal to about 80% of total U.S. dry natural gas production in 2022.Shale gas production may increase further due to new wells being drilled across the country.
Growing demand for natural gas
The growing demand for natural gas has significantly impacted the shale gas market, fostering economic growth and energy security. Advancements in extraction technologies have made shale gas more accessible and economically viable, encouraging investment in infrastructure and boosting employment opportunities across various sectors. This surge in production has led to a decrease in natural gas prices, benefiting consumers and industries alike. Additionally, the shift towards cleaner energy sources, such as shale gas, has contributed to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promoting a more sustainable energy future.
Regulatory scrutiny and public opposition
Regulatory scrutiny and public opposition have negatively impacted the market by creating barriers to growth and expansion. Stricter regulations on hydraulic fracturing, water use, and environmental protections increase operational costs for companies, delaying project timelines and reducing profitability. Public opposition, driven by concerns over water contamination, air quality, and seismic activity, has led to protests, legal challenges, and even bans on fracking in some regions. These factors create uncertainty in the market and may discourage investment and development of shale gas resources.
Energy security and independence
Energy security and independence have had a positive impact on the market by reducing reliance on foreign oil and gas imports. As countries develop their own shale gas resources, they can ensure a more stable and reliable energy supply, less vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions or price fluctuations. This shift supports economic stability, fosters local job creation, and enhances national security. Moreover, increased domestic production of shale gas helps lower energy costs and provides a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels, contributing to environmental sustainability.
High exploration and production costs
High exploration and production costs are a significant negative factor in the market, as they limit profitability and increase financial risks for companies. Drilling and hydraulic fracturing require advanced technology and significant capital investment, making it expensive to access shale gas reserves. In addition, fluctuating oil and gas prices can make it difficult for companies to recover these costs, especially during periods of low commodity prices. These high costs may deter smaller players from entering the market and slow down the growth of shale gas production.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the market, causing a sharp decline in global energy demand due to lockdowns and reduced industrial activity. This led to a decrease in oil and gas prices, forcing many shale producers to cut back on production and delay new projects. Financial instability and reduced investments also affected exploration and drilling activities. Additionally, the pandemic disrupted supply chains and labor availability, further hindering the growth and development of shale gas operations during the crisis.
The horizontal drilling segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The horizontal drilling segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Unlike vertical drilling, horizontal drilling involves drilling a wellbore that extends horizontally through the shale layer, increasing the surface area for gas extraction. This method enhances production rates and reduces the number of wells needed, lowering operational costs. Horizontal drilling, coupled with hydraulic fracturing, has made previously inaccessible shale gas reserves economically viable, significantly boosting shale gas production worldwide.
The power generation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the power generation segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, as shale gas offers a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to coal and other fossil fuels. The abundance of shale gas has led to the construction of gas-fired power plants, which produce electricity with lower carbon emissions compared to traditional coal plants. As a result, shale gas has played a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector, while providing a reliable and stable energy supply for electricity generation.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share. These nations are increasingly focusing on developing domestic energy resources to reduce dependence on imports and improve energy security. However, challenges such as technological limitations, regulatory hurdles, and environmental concerns hinder rapid growth. Despite this, advancements in drilling technologies and rising energy demand in the region are expected to boost shale gas production in the coming years.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, driven by advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies, enabling the extraction of previously inaccessible gas reserves. Rising energy demand, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, boosts market growth, alongside lower natural gas prices, which encourage industrial and power generation sectors to shift to cleaner fuels. Additionally, energy independence initiatives and favorable government policies further support shale gas production, making it a key component of North America's energy landscape.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Shale Gas Market include Chevron Corporation, Shell PLC, ConocoPhillips Company, PetroChina Company Limited, Sinopec, BP PLC, TotalEnergies SE, EQT Corporation, Southwestern Energy Company, Antero Resources Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Baker Hughes Company, Halliburton Company and Schlumberger Limited.
In April 2025, Shell Eastern Trading Pte. Ltd., has completed the previously announced acquisition of 100% of the shares in Pavilion Energy Pte. Ltd. The acquisition will be absorbed within Shell's cash capital expenditure guidance. This acquisition helps to deliver on Shell's ambition to solidify its leading position in liquified natural gas (LNG) by growing sales by 4-5% per year through to 2030.
In March 2025, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., announced that it has closed on a transaction to sell a 70% interest in its East Texas gas assets to an affiliate of TG Natural Resources LLC ("TGNR"), a company indirectly owned by Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. ("Tokyo Gas") and Castleton Commodities International LLC ("CCI"), for $525 million, with $75 million paid in cash and $450 million as a capital carry to fund Haynesville development. Chevron will retain a 30% non-operated working interest in a joint venture with TGNR and an overriding royalty interest in the assets.