North American shale gas

North American shale gas refers to natural gas found in underground rock formations known as shale. This resource became significant due to advances in extraction techniques, particularly hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling. These methods allow energy companies to access previously unreachable gas deposits, leading to increased production and lower energy prices. The boom in shale gas has transformed North America into a key player in the global energy market, promoting energy independence but also raising environmental concerns about water use and potential contamination.