A form of natural gas, shale gas is emerging as a top resource for energy in the United States, and experts predict shale will account for over 60% of natural gas production in the US by 2020. While China produces the most shale gas, the US isn’t far behind, with seven major resource plays across the country. These epicenters of natural gas reserves, if tapped correctly, will have a positive impact on the oil and gas industry.
Shale Reserves in the US: The Top 7
Spanning thousands of acres in nearly every US region, shale reserves promise access to natural gas for generations to come. After a meticulous review of shale hot spots in the US, the following seven regions emerged as leaders in shale reserve potential.
- Bakken & Utica – Unlike five of the major shale plays in the US, Bakken and Utica do not contain shale gas. Between the two shale plays, more than 10 billion barrels of oil can be extracted. The Bakken Shale Play is located in Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota, as well as parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba in the Williston Basin. The Utica basic spans areas of Quebec, Ohio and New York.
- Barnett – Found in north Texas, the Barnett shale play contains over 43 million cubic feet of natural gas 1 ½ miles below the surface.
- Fayetteville – Based in Arkansas, the Fayetteville shale play contains over 13 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
- Eagle Ford – Over 20 trillion cubic feet of shale gas is located up to 10,000 feet below the surface of southwest Texas.
- Marcellus – Known as the second largest shale gas play in the world, Marcellus is located in the northeastern region of the US, with over 400 million cubic feet of shale gas.
- Haynesville – More than 250 trillion cubic feet of shale gas can be found in Haynesville at a depth of 10,000-13,000 feet. Haynesville spans parts of southwestern Arkansas, northwest Louisiana, and East Texas.
A Brief History of Shale
In 1825, shale gas was discovered and extracted in New York. Unfortunately, technology in the early 19th century did not allow for the extraction of natural gas on an industrial scale, and approximately 150 years would pass before technology would catch up with man’s innovative plan to tap into new resources. In the decade after 1976, the US invested in research and development projects to further explore untapped natural gas resources. As a result of this effort, the first air-drilled multi-fracture horizontal well was successfully completed.
Shortly thereafter, a combination of advancing technology and ongoing exploration would lead to the real beginning of shale gas history. Currently, the story continues to unfold as oil and gas experts problem-solve the obstacles lurking in America’s seven shale gas plays in the hopes of improving the energy supply for future generations.
The Contribution of Shale to the Gas and Oil Industry
While shale gas grows as a preferred resource, the gas and oil industry will receive a significant boost. Because the United States is beginning to rely heavily on unconventional energy resources, efficient extraction of shale gas enables companies in the industry to expand, create more jobs and secure the future of America’s gas production.
In your opinion, what is the most significant impact shale gas will have on the gas and oil industry?
