According to Jeff Bell, a reporter for the Columbus Biz Insider, Ohio’s just crossed the 200 mark for the number of wells drilled in the Utica Shale play.

Here’s a few interesting stats:

• The ODNR has issued 493 drilling permits.
• 205 wells have been drilled.
• 47 are producing oil and/or gas.

If that doesn’t seem like many wells over the past two years, you’re right, but Bell says that’s to be expected:

“But as many oil and natural gas people have repeatedly told me, Ohio’s shale play is still in its infancy while Pennsylvania’s has been running full bore for about five years.”

The Utica has plenty of time to catch up with Pennsylvania’s Marcellus shale play. In truth, the Utica is in the final stages of the exploration stage. There will be plenty of more action in the future.

» Via: Columbus Biz Insider › Countdown: Top counties for shale wells as Ohio crosses 200 mark