The scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) and Jilin University (China) developed the technology of production of shale oil and gas from oil-shale by heating them by the electrophysical method; that will improve the efficiency and environmental friendliness of this production.

The main feature of this technology is that the reagents are replaced by physical methods – the electrical voltage is supplied to the shale deposits. Because of this the reaction starts which does not result into strong oxidizing of the substance, as it happens in case of combustion, and therefore it produces more methane and less carbon dioxide. Under the influence of the alternating current the pressure in the pores of the substance increases and the additional electrical discharges appear, which causes the emergence of the branched plasma channels extending the heat deep into the rock. Under the influence of temperature in the absence of oxygen the hydrocarbons are converted into combustible gas and shale oil.