Natural gas and coal bed methane

Natural gas

Natural gas is one of the cleanest, safest, and most useful forms of energy in our daily lives. Natural gas can be found by itself or in association with oil. It is colourless and odourless and contains a mixture of methane and other hydrocarbons including butane, ethane and propane.

Natural gas is found in reservoirs beneath the surface of the earth. Large layers of rock trap the natural gas as it floats to the surface. Although the areas where the gas is trapped are referred to as pools, the natural gas molecules are actually held in small holes and cracks throughout the rock formation.

Alberta's natural gas reserves

Alberta has a world-class natural resource base, with an estimated 39 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of remaining established natural gas reserves. Alberta accounts for almost 80% of the natural gas produced in Canada, making Alberta one the world's largest suppliers of natural gas.

Alberta has a streamlined regulatory process, a highly skilled workforce, and an effective natural gas processing, transporting and marketing infrastructure in place.

Coal Bed Methane

Coal Bed Methane (CBM) is natural gas contained in coal. The Alberta Geological Survey estimates there may be up to 500 Tcf of natural gas in Alberta's coals. However, it is not yet confirmed what portion of this resource may be recoverable. The characteristics of CBM include:

  • The natural gas found in coal is "sweet" not "sour", meaning it does not contain hydrogen sulphide.
  • It is generally near-pipeline quality when produced and requires minimal processing. 
  • It is typically produced at lower pressures than conventional natural gas.

CBM is called an unconventional gas because the coal acts as both the source of the gas and the storage reservoir. Most of the CBM is attached to or "absorbed" on the coal surfaces and it may also be trapped in the coal fractures, which tend to have low permeability.

The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) estimates the remaining established reserves of CBM to be approximately 860 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in areas of Alberta where commercial production is occurring.

For more information on Natural Gas or Coal Bed Methane see:

  • Alberta Department of Energy : Alberta Energy is the provincial government department that oversees energy resource development and use in Alberta. The Alberta Energy website has detailed information on Alberta's diverse natural energy resources.
  • Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) : The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) researches and delivers geological knowledge about Alberta land and natural resources through various programs. The AGS Resource Geology program is focused on advising Government of Alberta agencies about natural resources.
  • Canadian Society for Unconventional Gas (CSUG): CSUG was formed to foster information sharing about unconventional gas among industry, government, regulators and public stakeholders. The CSUG website contains information on many different types of unconventional gas resources found in Canada, including coal bed methane.
  • Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP): CAPP is an industry association focused on fostering sustainable and responsible economic growth in the Canadian upstream petroleum industry, and has background information on natural gas and coal bed methane development in Alberta.
  • Energy Resources Conservation Board

For more information on Alberta’s energy resources, see:

Date Updated:
RDP-2037