HOUSTON, Texas/DUBAI -- Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, plans to invest more than $100 billion to become the world's third-largest shale gas producer after the U.S. and Russia as its economy braces for a decarbonized society.
Crucial to Riyadh's plans is the Jafurah gas field in the country's east. It is the largest shale gas field in the Middle East with confirmed reserves of 229 trillion cubic feet, equivalent to about 70 years of Japan's liquid natural gas imports. Shale gas is natural gas extracted from shale rock formations.