Shale gas in China is an energy resource yet untapped, but is seen as having large potential.[1] China has set its companies a target of producing 30 billion cubic meters a year from shale, equivalent to almost half the country's gas consumption in 2008.[2] Potential gas-bearing shales are said to be widespread in China, although as yet undeveloped.[3] In November 2009, US President Barack Obama agreed to share US gas-shale technology with China, and to promote US investment in Chinese shale-gas development.[4] Given widespread interest among international oil companies to invest in shale gas extraction in China, it is possible that shale gas could account for as much as 5% of the nation's gas production by 2020.[5]