Conventional & Unconventional 

What is natural gas?

Natural gas develops naturally over millions of years from the carbon and hydrogen molecules of ancient organic matter trapped within Canada’s geological formations. Natural gas consists primarily of methane, but also ethane, propane, butane, pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons.

Raw natural gas is located in most regions of the country, with the majority of commercial production currently taking place in western Canada. As an abundant energy resource, an affordable energy choice, a safe and reliable fuel and the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon, natural gas is a foundational element in the future energy supply mix. CAPP advocates for a diverse energy supply mix and the use of the right fuel in the right place at the right time and natural gas has a very important role to play in this equation.

Natural Gas Formations:
conventional sandstone, coal, shale, and uncoventional tight sandstone

What is the difference between “conventional” and “unconventional” natural gas?

Natural gas comes from both ‘conventional’ (easier to produce) and ‘unconventional’ (more difficult to produce) geological formations. The key difference between “conventional” and “unconventional” natural gas is the manner, ease and cost associated with extracting the resource.

Conventional

Exploration for conventional gas has been almost the sole focus of the oil and gas industry since it began nearly 100 years ago. Conventional gas is typically “free gas” trapped in multiple, relatively small, porous zones in various naturally occurring rock formations such as carbonates, sandstones, and siltstones.

Unconventional

However, most of the growth in supply from today’s recoverable gas resources is found in unconventional formations. Unconventional gas reservoirs include tight gas, coal bed methane, gas hydrates, and shale gas. The technological breakthroughs in horizontal drilling and fracturing hat have made shale and other unconventional gas supplies commercially viable have revolutionized Canada’s natural gas supply picture.

Where does Canada’s natural gas supply come from?

Canada has access to a broad and expanding supply of natural gas. Producing regions are concentrated primarily in the western provinces (B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan), and offshore fields in Canada’s Maritimes, with minor production in Ontario and Northern Canada.

How much natural gas does Canada produce?

Canada is the world’s third largest producer of natural gas with average annual production of 6.4 trillion cubic feet (tcf). North America has over a century of natural gas supply at today’s consumption levels. This abundant supply will ensure that natural gas continues to be a capable, reliable, secure, safe, and environmentally acceptable fuel.

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