Utica may hold a lot of gas, but it isn’t always economical to produce
Thursday, July 30, 2015
A recent released about the Utica Shale and its potential for future oil and gas production has been met with both criticism and positivity.
Herald-Star reports that while companies such as Consol Energy are cutting their workforces to make it through the current trend of low commodity prices, other companies like Antero Resources are optimistic about the opportunities that lie within the Utica.
Ohio Oil and Gas Association Senior Vice President Shawn Bennett said that the estimated 782 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Utica is not yet proven. Due to the cost of drilling and fracking, plus Ohio’s lack of pipeline infrastructure, getting the gas to markets is not currently economical.
Via: Herald-Star > Utica holds lots of gas, but not all of it is economical
More about the Utica Shale:
- WVU study reveals Utica’s characteristics July 23, 2015
- Groups respond differently to recent Utica Shale research July 20, 2015
- New research shows Utica may have greater potential than previously thought July 17, 2015
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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.
So it takes investment.
It ought to be subsidized from the National Defense Purse IMHO.