With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and 'shale gas' consider the following statements: 1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks. 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Correct Answer Neither 1 nor 2 The correct answer is Neither 1 nor 2. Coalbed methane is a non-conventional and is a major source of natural gas. Coalbed methane is extracted from coal seams. Shale gas refers to natural gas that is trapped within shale formations. Shales are fine-grained sedimentary rocks that can be rich sources of petroleum and natural gas. Shale gas is natural gas and is a hydrocarbon gas mixture. It consists mainly of methane. It contains other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane, and it also contains carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. India has identified six basins as areas for shale gas exploration: Cambay (Gujarat), Assam-Arakan (North East), Gondwana (Central India), Krishna Godavari onshore (East Coast), Cauvery onshore, and Indo-Gangetic basins. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. Additional Information Renewable resources: Renewable resources of energy are those that can be replenished or renewed naturally over time. Air, water, wind, solar energy, biogas, Hydrogen, etc are all renewable resources of energy. Renewable resources of energy are also known as “Non-conventional resources“. Non-renewable resources: Conventional sources of energy are also called as non-renewable resources. Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum are non-renewable resources of energy. They are found deep inside the earth and are made by natural processes over many years. Examples of fossil fuels are coal, petroleum, natural gas, etc.