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CHINA’S shale gas production surged in March while natural gas output also expanded, indicating improved energy structure as the country shifts away from reliance on traditional energy sources.

Shale gas output jumped 50.4 percent year on year to 1.15 billion cubic meters in March, according to National Bureau of Statistics data yesterday.

In the first quarter, shale gas output surged 17.4 percent year on year to 2.67 billion cubic meters.

The fast growth was fueled by increased production by the Changning-Weiyuan national-level shale gas pilot zone in Sichuan Province, run by China National Petroleum Corp.

China has been trying to improve its energy structure, shifting away from traditional energy sources such as coal. Breakthroughs have been made in shale gas exploration in capacity and drilling techniques, making China one of the top shale gas suppliers in the world.

By 2020, the proved reserves of shale gas will surpass 1.5 trillion cubic meters, according to plans released by authorities at the beginning of the year.