Perspective of development of unconventional gas resources in the world and in Russia

The article deals with legal and economic issues of development of unconventional and hard-to-recover gas resources of Russia in comparison with other countries of the world. The emphasis is made on this type of resource due to its growing environmental relevance and technological capabilities. The following categories of this type of resource (hard-to-recover gas resources) are considered: shale gas, coal bed methane, gas hydrates. The Russian modern experience of their involvement in the economy is evaluated. The most perspective country regions in terms of reserves and their exploration are highlighted. Today development of unconventional gas resources is one of strategic objectives ofperspective national and regional sustainable resource supply. The transition moment from traditional resources to «unconventional» is determined not only by the comparability of the costs of their involvement in the economy, but also by the environmental needs of the world, national and regional level.