“Unconventional Gas (Gas Shales and Coal Bed Methane) - Global Market Analysis, Industry Developments, Investment Scenario and Forecasts to 2020” is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialist, and analyzes the developments in the unconventional gas sector globally. The report provides an overview of the unconventional gas market by key resource types, including the major gas shale plays in North America and the major Coal Bed Methane (CBM) producing countries in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

American Electric Power (AEP), the Ohio utility giant, announced late last week it will retire five coal-fired fuel plants and spend billions of dollars to comply with a series of proposed regulations by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Last year's Upper Big Branch coal mine disaster, claiming the lives of 29 workers, also put at risk federal rescue teams who began their search for potential survivors hours after the blast without backup rescue teams in place, pressured by Massey Energy.