Appalachia region drives U.S. growth in natural gas production
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Since 2012, shale gas production in the Appalachia region has increased rapidly, fueling an overall increase in U.S. natural gas production. Natural gas production has increased by more than 14 billion cubic feet per day in the region, namely the Marcellus and Utica shale plays, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Appalachian natural gas production has jumped from 7.8 Bcf per day in 2012 to 22.1 Bcf per day in 2016 and 23.8 Bcf per day in 2017 through October. For new wells in this region, the average monthly natural gas production per rig has increased by 10.8 billion cubic feet per day since January 2012.
A big part of the increased production can be attributed to efficiency improvements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, including faster drilling, longer laterals, advancements in technology and better targeting of wells.
Learn more: U.S. Energy Information Administration > Appalachia region drives growth in U.S. natural gas production since 2012
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.
Why does your Shale Well Map only show the wells in Ohio and not PA. Does that mean the information in your Shale Gas Reporter is primarily focused on activities in Ohio and not PA?
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources provides all the information we use to generate our map. We haven’t been able to find a similar resource for well addresses in Pennsylvania. Do you know of one? As you will see, the information on our site is focused on both the Utica and Marcellus Shale regions in Ohio, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.
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