WorldOil

Considerations for development of Marcellus Shale gas (Jul-2009)

Shale gas resources extend across the continental United States, offering estimated potential of 500 to 1,000 Tcf with consistent increases as wells are brought online and additional information is gathered.1 One key shale gas play identified as having promise for future development is the Devonian-aged Marcellus Shale of the Appalachians, with potential for 50 Tcf or more of technically recoverable gas.2 While still in the early stages of development, this basin has the potential to be one of the largest gas plays in the US. Development of the Marcellus play has been made possible by recent advances in two key technologies—horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.3