Shale and Tight Gas in Western Australia
Conventional gas is released easily through the sandstone and carbonate rocks they are stored in. The rock formations that hold shale and tight gas prevent it from flowing freely, so a different process is needed to recover the gas from the ground.
For shale and tight gas, the rock formations need to undergo hydraulic fracture stimulation (also known as fracking or fraccing) to release the gas and enable recovery. Hydraulic stimulation has been used in the oil and gas industry in Western Australia for the past 50 years.
In Western Australia (WA), research shows that there is roughly twice as much gas available onshore, as there is offshore.
Shale and Tight Gas production is new to WA, but has been practiced worldwide for over 30 years. The State combines its current regulations for oil and gas with international knowledge and technology to ensure high standards are enforced.
Shale and Tight Gas RSS Feed
Subscribe to the Department's Unconventional Gas RSS feed to receive the latest industry news and updates.
Information centre
Fact Sheets, FAQs, guidelines, reports and other information can be found here.
Legislation
Regulatory processes for onshore gas projects is explained here.
Events
Details on the latest community engagement activities for the onshore shale and tight gas industry.
Drilling projects
A table containing information on Western Australia’s wells that have been fracture stimulated.
Media
Latest DMP media releases on Western Australia’s emerging unconventional gas sector.
