Massimov instructed to search for shale gas in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Prime-Miniaster Karim Massimov instructed to search for shale gas in Kazakhstan, Tengrinews.kz reports from the government meeting on energy. "We need to work out and find the resources and as soon as possible. Geological exploration works on shale gas should be performed around coal mines," Massimov said. Prime-Minister gave an example of Poland, where shale gas fields are actively developed and coal reserves are similar to Kazakhstan. He instructed to perform exploration works and said that "all our ideology can turn around" if such gas is discovered. Massimov also instructed bind together the exploration, gas and energy policies. According to him, the government is ready to allocate some of the reserve money for this purpose. He instructed to find a good partner with sufficient experience in development of shale gas fields. Prime-Minister also mentioned the U.S. as an example. The gas prices there went down 3-fold, from $8 to $2.5, which radically changed the energy policy and the competition at the market. After the meeting Kazakhstan Minister of Industry and New Technologies Asset Issekeshev added: "I think that coal stations will remain basic even in 2030." He pointed out that Kazakhstan has large reserves of coal reserves as a reason for his statement.