Wednesday 26 November 2014

Shale muscles in as largest share of US gas

Shale gas represented 40% of total natural gas production in the US last year, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Its latest statistics show withdrawals from shale gas wells jumped from five billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2007 to 33 Bcf/d in 2013, surpassing production from non-shale natural gas wells.

“New technology has enabled producers to shift production to resources that are now easier to reach and have lower drilling costs”, the EIA said.

Total US natural gas withdrawals reached a new high at 82 Bcf/d last year.

In 2007, shale gas wells made up 8% of total natural gas production in the US, with 63% of shale production coming from Texas.

Last year Texas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Arkansas accounted for 26 Bcf/d or 79% of US shale production.

Their combined share of production from non-shale natural gas wells however fell to 41% in 2013.