Natural gas growth concentrated in Marcellus and Utica regions
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
The United States Energy Information Administration projects production growth to be concentrated in the Marcellus and Utica shale regions and in the Permian region, according to the Farm and Dairy.
The EIA predicts increased supply from the Marcellus and Utica shales along with flat demand will trigger lower natural gas prices over the next 24 months. However, it also predicts consumption will increase during that time.
The low prices and plentiful supply are expected to spur increased use of natural gas for electric power generation.
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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.