Estimated monthly production derived from state administrative data. Data are back to January 2000.

Texas extracts more shale gas than any other U.S. state. In 2021, shale gas production output in Texas reached 8.3 trillion cubic feet. Pennsylvania followed as the second most productive state. Pennsylvania is located within the Appalachia basin, which is the greatest natural gas producing U.S. basin. In total, the United States extracted around 27.99 trillion cubic feet of shale gas in 2021. Shale gas refers to natural gas that is trapped within shale formations of low permeability.

History of shale gas production

Shale gas resources can contain large accumulations of natural gas and/or oil. Production of natural gas from Texas’ Barnett Shale began around a decade ago and has acted as a model for new natural gas extraction technologies in other parts of the country. It was one of the first cases of large-scale natural gas production from shale resources under the Mitchell Energy and Development Corporation. More than 30 states are sitting on top of shale formations.

The production of shale gas has increased dramatically under the development of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling. U.S. shale gas and tight oil production has increased from 1.77 trillion cubic feet in 2000 to approximately 25 trillion cubic feet in 2021. It is predicted that output will reach nearly 34 trillion cubic feet by 2050. As of 2020, the U.S. natural gas reserves amounted to 12.6 trillion cubic meters.

Estonia Energy: Export: Oil Shale Gas data was reported at 0.000 TJ in 2016. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 TJ for 2015. Estonia Energy: Export: Oil Shale Gas data is updated yearly, averaging 0.000 TJ from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 37 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,801.000 TJ in 1960 and a record low of 0.000 TJ in 2016. Estonia Energy: Export: Oil Shale Gas data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Estonia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Estonia – Table EE.RB004: Energy Export.

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Shale Gas Market Size 2024-2028

The shale gas market size is forecast to increase by USD 20.36 billion, at a CAGR of 5.31% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of green fracking methods. This environmentally-friendly approach to extracting shale gas addresses concerns over the industry's environmental impact, making it an attractive alternative for energy companies. However, the market faces a substantial challenge in the form of water scarcity for fracking operations. As water is a crucial component in the shale gas extraction process, the shortage poses a significant hurdle for market expansion. Companies must navigate this challenge by exploring alternative water sources or implementing water recycling technologies to ensure a sustainable and cost-effective shale gas production process. The ability to address this challenge while maintaining environmental standards will be crucial for market success.

What will be the Size of the Shale Gas Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2018-2022 and forecasts 2024-2028 - in the full report.
Request Free SampleThe market continues to evolve, driven by the ongoing exploration and production activities in various sectors. Industrial gas users and downstream operations seek to optimize their energy sources, leading to increased demand for shale gas. The energy transition towards cleaner sources of energy and the reduction of methane emissions are key considerations, shaping public perception and regulatory frameworks. Petrophysical analysis plays a crucial role in shale gas exploration, with reservoir characterization and completion fluids essential for maximizing reserves. Gas-fired power plants and enhanced gas recovery techniques offer solutions for energy independence and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation fuels and gas pipelines facilitate the distribution of shale gas, with production optimization and gas processing essential for maintaining pipeline integrity and efficiency. Induced seismicity, a concern for some communities, necessitates careful environmental impact assessment and mitigation measures. Methane hydrates and petrochemical feedstocks offer potential opportunities for further market growth. Reservoir simulation, water management, wastewater treatment, geological modeling, gas compression, and sulfur recovery are all integral components of the shale gas value chain. Energy security, fracking fluids, LNG export terminals, and midstream operations are also significant factors shaping the market dynamics. Commercial gas users, residential consumers, and energy security concerns continue to influence market trends. The ongoing unfolding of these activities and evolving patterns underscore the continuous nature of the market.

How is this Shale Gas Industry segmented?

The shale gas industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments. TechnologyHorizontal frackingVertical frackingRotary frackingApplicationIndustrialBuildingsTransportationGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaEuropeRussiaAPACChinaRest of World (ROW)

By Technology Insights

The horizontal fracking segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.Shale gas production has witnessed significant growth due to the adoption of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques. Horizontal fracking increases the contact area between the wellbore and the shale rock, leading to more efficient gas extraction and higher production rates. This results in greater gas recovery from extensive and low-permeability shale formations, making shale gas economically viable despite higher initial drilling and fracturing costs. Downstream operations, including gas-fired power plants, enhanced gas recovery, and transportation fuels, have been major consumers of shale gas. The energy transition towards cleaner sources has led to an increased focus on reducing methane emissions from shale gas operations. Public perception towards shale gas has been a concern due to environmental impacts, necessitating rigorous environmental impact assessments and community relations efforts. Petrophysical analysis, reservoir characterization, and completion fluids play crucial roles in optimizing production and minimizing operational costs. LNG export terminals and pipeline infrastructure have been instrumental in achieving energy independence and expanding market reach. Pipeline integrity management, gas storage, and production optimization are essential for maintaining efficient and reliable gas supply. Induced seismicity, methane hydrates, and geological modeling are ongoing research areas to address ch

Shale gas and tight oil production in the United States is forecast to increase to more than 35 trillion cubic feet by 2050, up from 29.4 trillion cubic feet in 2024. Shale gas refers to natural gas that is trapped within dense shale formations. Tight oil is crude oil contained in such rock formations. It is extracted by drilling wells and pumping a sand, water, and chemical mixture into the rock. The pressure under which the mixture is pushed into fissures cracks the rock open, allowing for the gas and oil to be removed. Origins of U.S. shale gas production The extraction of shale gas and tight oil in the U.S. has increased dramatically since 2000; from about 1.77 trillion cubic feet to over 29 trillion cubic feet in 2024. The economic viability of shale exploration is a result of technological advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking), as well as a surge in oil benchmark prices in the late 2000s and early 2010s. China's fast-growing economy meant it required ever greater amounts of petroleum products, while the largest oil producing body, OPEC, tightly controlled production output in order to push prices higher. This led to the WTI crude oil price climbing to an annual average of nearly 100 U.S. dollars in 2008, despite the onset of the financial crisis. Although early shale pioneer Mitchell Energy had experimented with horizontal drilling and fracking, it took until the 2000s for the technology to hit off. Shale gas production is concentrated primarily in regions such as the Northeast and the Gulf Coast, with Appalachia being the most productive U.S. natural gas region. Fossil fuel reserves in the U.S. The United States had 17.4 trillion cubic meters of proved natural gas reserves, as of 2023. The North American country ranked fourth among the leading countries by proved natural gas reserves. Russia led the ranking with over 44 trillion cubic meters. The same year, U.S. oil reserves amounted to over 47 billion barrels, more than double the amount in 2000.

The global shale gas industry, currently valued at approximately $XX million (estimated based on available data and market trends), is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.20% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Rising global energy demand, particularly in developing economies, necessitates diverse energy sources, and shale gas offers a relatively cost-effective and abundant alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Technological advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques have significantly improved extraction efficiency and lowered production costs, further stimulating market growth. Government policies supporting domestic energy production and reducing reliance on foreign imports in several regions also contribute to this upward trajectory. However, environmental concerns related to methane emissions and water usage remain significant restraints, necessitating the adoption of sustainable extraction practices to mitigate negative impacts and maintain public support. Market segmentation reveals substantial activity across production, consumption, import, and export sectors, offering varied investment opportunities. Leading players like Antero Resources, Southwestern Energy, EQT Corporation, and international giants such as Equinor, Repsol, and Shell, compete vigorously in this dynamic market. Regional variations in resource availability, regulatory frameworks, and economic conditions influence market share; North America, particularly the United States, currently dominates production, while Asia-Pacific exhibits significant growth potential. The shale gas market's future trajectory is closely tied to the evolving global energy landscape and technological innovations. The industry's ability to address environmental concerns and adopt sustainable practices will be crucial in determining long-term growth. Continued technological advancements aimed at increasing extraction efficiency while reducing environmental impact will play a key role. Furthermore, geopolitical factors, government regulations, and fluctuating energy prices will influence the market's trajectory. Diversification of energy sources and a focus on sustainable energy transitions will shape the future competitive landscape. Companies focusing on operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation are expected to thrive in this evolving market. Analyzing regional variations in market dynamics, technological advancements, and regulatory landscapes is crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning within the industry. Recent developments include: In December 2023, the United Kingdom government announced a new package of actions to deliver on the government's manifesto affirmation to continue endowing the development of shale gas. The package comprises setting up a Shale Environmental Regulator and a new Planning Brokerage Service to focus exclusively on the planning process., In August 2023, Falcon Oil & Gas and joint venture partner Tamboran Resources discovered a substantial potential presence of dry gas during drilling of the Shenandoah South 1H (SS1H) shale gas exploration well located in Australia’s Beetaloo sub-basin., In October 2022, Sinopec made a significant shale gas discovery in the Sichuan basin, paving way for it to establish 100 billion cubic metres per annum of gas production in southwest China.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Proven Shale Gas Reserves 4.; Technological Advancement in Horizontal Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing. Potential restraints include: 4., Proven Shale Gas Reserves 4.; Technological Advancement in Horizontal Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing. Notable trends are: Increasing Environmental Concerns to Restrain the Market.

Global Shale Gas market size is expected to reach $156.66 billion by 2029 at 11.8%, technological breakthroughs propel shale gas industry growth

Data on 17 metrics of shale gas development in the Pennsylvania portion of the Upper Susquehanna River basin that was collated from a variety of sources and summarized at the upstream catchment scale. Data were also standardized by upstream area and transformed into rank scores based on metric distribution and then summarized into a Disturbance Intensity Index (DII). See Maloney et al. 2018 for detailed descriptions of each data sets and limitations of data. (Maloney, K. O., J. A. Young, S. P. Faulkner, A. Hailegiorgis, E. T. Slonecker, and L. E. Milheim. 2018. A detailed risk assessment of shale gas development on headwater streams in the Pennsylvania portion of the Upper Susquehanna River Basin, U.S.A. Science of The Total Environment 610:154-166. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969717319654)

The Marcellus and Utica shale play is the greatest shale gas producing region in the United States. In January 2023, the shale gas production volume from the Marcellus and Utica basin amounted to approximately ** billion cubic meters (bcm). This was followed by Permian basic, which produced approximately ** bcm of shale gas that month.

The Report Covers Global Shale Gas Trends & Share. The Market is Segmented by Geography (North America, South America, Asia-pacific, Europe, And Middle-East and Africa).

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This report evaluates the natural gas potential of the Devonian Age shales of Kentucky. For this, the study: (1) compiles the latest geologic and reservoir data to establish the gas in-place; (2) analyzes and models the dominant gas production mechanisms; and (3) examines alternative well stimulation and production strategies for most efficiently recovering the in-place gas. The major findings of the study include the following: (1) The technically recoverable gas from Devonian shale (Lower and Upper Huron, Rhinestreet, and Cleveland intervals) in Kentucky is estimated to range from 9 to 23 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). (2) The gas in-place for the Devonian shales in eastern Kentucky is 82 Tcf. About one half of this amount is found in the Big Sandy gas field and its immediate extensions. The remainder is located in the less naturally fractured, but organically rich area to the west of the Big Sandy. (3) The highly fractured shales in the Big Sandy area in southeast Kentucky and the more shallow shales of eastern Kentucky respond well to small-scale stimulation. New, larger-scale stimulation technology will be required for the less fractured, anisotropic Devonian shales in the rest of the state. 44 refs., 49 figs., 24 tabs.

The data comprise the initial release of landscape disturbance polygons and lines (sites, pipelines and roads) related to natural gas and oil drilling developed prior to the end of 2013 in the 10-county region along the New York - Pennsylvania border. The study area includes the New York Counties of Allegany, Broome, Chemung, Steuben and Tioga, and the Pennsylvania counties of Bradford, McKean, Potter, Susquehanna, and Tioga. The data were collected using high-resolution aerial imagery from the National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) for each available year between 2004 - 2013 within a geographic information system (GIS), along with additional geospatial data on oil and gas drilling permits and locations, administrative boundaries, ecoregions, and the footprint of the Marcellus Shale play. Data collection was a manual process of visually examining the NAIP imagery composite for each county for each year and using 2004 imagery as a baseline to identify and digitize landscape changes in the land cover resulting from the development of gas extraction infrastructure that occurred after 2004. Changes that correlated with natural gas extraction permits, appeared to be natural gas extraction related, or were in proximity to other gas extraction infrastructure were selected and digitized to the maximum extent of landscape disturbance. Disturbance that appeared in the 2004 imagery was collected; however, some of the collected disturbance for 2004 may predate the NAIP imagery collection date. The focus of the data collection was on features attributable to the construction, use, and maintenance of gas extraction drill sites, processing plants, and compressor stations, as well as the centerlines for new roads accessing such sites, plants, and stations, and the centerlines for new pipelines used to transport the extracted gas. Some of the roads and or pipelines may predate the data collection, however they appeared to be either expanded or worked on in relation to oil or gas activities in the study area. These data were collected within shapefiles by county, using ArcGIS 10.5. One shapefile was generated for sites (polygons), one was generated for roads (lines), and one was generated for pipelines (lines). Another team member reviewed the data for concurrence and consistency. These data identify disturbance related to natural gas and oil drilling, but do not identify the well types associated with that disturbance. For well type, see the New York Department of Environmental Conservation downloadable well data webpage (https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/1603.html) or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Oil and Gas Permit Database available at their web page (http://data-padep-1.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets?q=Oil%20&%20Gas).

The North America Shale Market is segmented by Type (Shale Gas and Shale Oil) and Geography (United States, Canada, and Rest of North America).

Shale Gas Equipment Market Outlook

The global shale gas equipment market is projected to reach a market size of approximately $11.8 billion by 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024 to 2032, potentially reaching $18.1 billion by the end of the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing demand for natural gas, advancements in hydraulic fracturing technology, and an increasing focus on energy independence by various countries.

One of the primary growth factors for the shale gas equipment market is the increasing global consumption of natural gas. Natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, driving its demand in power generation, industrial applications, and residential heating. The rise in natural gas demand has prompted the exploration and development of shale gas reserves, thereby driving the need for advanced shale gas equipment. Additionally, innovations in extraction technologies such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have made it economically viable to exploit these unconventional gas reserves, further propelling market growth.

Government policies and incentives also play a crucial role in the growth of the shale gas equipment market. Many countries are investing in shale gas exploration to reduce their dependence on imported energy and enhance their energy security. For example, the United States has witnessed a shale gas boom due to favorable regulatory frameworks and technological advancements, making it a net exporter of natural gas. Similar trends are being observed in other regions like Asia Pacific and Europe, where governments are actively promoting shale gas exploration, thus creating a lucrative market for shale gas equipment manufacturers.

The environmental benefits associated with natural gas over other fossil fuels are another significant factor contributing to market growth. Natural gas emits fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases compared to coal and oil. This has led to increased adoption of natural gas in various sectors, including power generation, industrial manufacturing, and transportation. The shift towards cleaner energy sources to combat climate change is expected to drive further investments in shale gas exploration and the corresponding demand for shale gas equipment. Moreover, public and private sector investments in research and development are leading to more efficient and cost-effective extraction technologies, which are anticipated to boost market growth.

Hydraulic Fracturing Equipment plays a pivotal role in the extraction of shale gas, making it a cornerstone of the shale gas equipment market. This equipment is essential for the hydraulic fracturing process, which involves injecting high-pressure fluid into shale rock formations to release natural gas. The advancements in hydraulic fracturing technology have significantly contributed to the economic viability of shale gas extraction, allowing access to previously unreachable reserves. As the demand for natural gas continues to rise, the need for efficient and reliable hydraulic fracturing equipment is expected to grow. Manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative solutions to enhance the performance and sustainability of this equipment, addressing environmental concerns while maximizing gas recovery rates. The evolution of hydraulic fracturing equipment is crucial for meeting the global energy demand and supporting the growth of the shale gas industry.

Regionally, North America dominates the shale gas equipment market, primarily due to the abundant shale gas reserves in the United States and Canada. The North American region is expected to maintain its leading position throughout the forecast period, driven by continuous technological advancements and government support for shale gas exploration. However, regions like Asia Pacific and Europe are also witnessing significant growth due to increasing energy demand and initiatives to explore unconventional gas reserves. The Asia Pacific region, in particular, is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by countries like China and India, which are focusing on reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing energy security through shale gas exploration.

Equipment Type Analysis

The shale gas equipment market is segmented into various equipment types, including drilling equipment, production equipment, processing equipment, and others. Drilling equipment is one of the most cr

To gain a better understanding of the potential U.S. domestic shale gas and shale oil resources, EIA commissioned INTEK, Inc. to develop an assessment of onshore Lower 48 States technically recoverable shale gas and shale oil resources. This paper briefly describes the scope, methodology, and key results of the report and discusses the key assumptions that underlie the results.

Attached is WRF-Chem model output data for maximum daily 8-hour average O3 (MDA8). Daily output data covering the JJA 2011 simulation period are concatenated into one file. There is one file per scenario, in addition to a base case file. The scenario file names are explained in README.txt.

This data release contains the boundary of the assessment unit and input data for the assessment of continuous gas resources in the Phosphoria formation of the Southwestern Wyoming province. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the higher-level Total Petroleum System. The Assessment Unit is shown herein as a geographic boundary interpreted, defined, and mapped by the geologist responsible for the province and incorporates a set of known or postulated oil and (or) gas accumulations sharing similar geologic, geographic, and temporal properties within the Total Petroleum System, such as source rock, timing, migration pathways, trapping mechanism, and hydrocarbon type. The Assessment Unit boundary is defined geologically as the limits of the geologic elements that define the Assessment Unit, such as limits of reservoir rock, geologic structures, source rock, and seal lithologies. The only exceptions to this are Assessment Units that border the Federal-State water boundary. In these cases, the Federal-State water boundary forms part of the Assessment Unit boundary. Methodology of assessments are documented in USGS Data Series 547 for continuous assessments (https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/547) and USGS DDS69-D, Chapter 21 for conventional assessments (https://pubs.usgs.gov/dds/dds-069/dds-069-d/REPORTS/69_D_CH_21.pdf). See supplemental information for a detailed list of files included this data release.

Use our interactive map to view oil/gas ownership (including lease tracts, severed rights, river leases, and gas storage fields) and oil/gas infrastructure (including pipelines, pads, impoundments, compressor stations, and limits of cleared area) on State Forest land. Click on the Pads or Pipelines on the map to see more info, or use the search widget to zoom in to get a closer look. The data on this map is “real time” and updated dailyVisit PASDA to download GIS data associated with the 2014 Shale Gas Monitoring Report for state forest land (the data on PASDA is a snapshot from December 31, 2012 and was used to generate the report)Use the Legend to toggle specific map layersUse widgets from the menu to draw on the map, bookmark locations, or print/save PDFsYou can extract layer data information using the Data Extract widget

Shale Gas Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global shale gas market size reached USD 67.5 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust momentum driven by technological advancements and increasing energy demand. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2033, reaching a projected value of USD 127.7 billion by 2033. This impressive growth is primarily fueled by the rapid adoption of advanced extraction technologies, a surge in natural gas consumption across diverse end-user sectors, and supportive governmental policies encouraging unconventional gas exploration.

One of the primary growth drivers for the shale gas market is the continuous evolution and deployment of innovative extraction technologies such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. These methods have significantly improved the economic viability of shale gas production by enhancing access to previously unreachable reserves and boosting well productivity. The increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these technologies have made shale gas a competitive alternative to conventional sources, especially in regions with abundant shale formations. Furthermore, the rising global emphasis on energy security and diversification of energy sources has prompted major economies to invest heavily in shale gas exploration and production, further propelling market growth.

Another key factor contributing to the market’s expansion is the growing demand for cleaner energy sources. As concerns over carbon emissions and environmental sustainability intensify, natural gas, including shale gas, is increasingly recognized as a transitional fuel that can facilitate the shift from coal and oil to renewable energy. Shale gas, with its relatively low carbon footprint when compared to other fossil fuels, is being integrated into power generation, industrial operations, and even transportation sectors. This trend is particularly pronounced in countries seeking to meet stringent climate targets while ensuring reliable and affordable energy supply. Additionally, the rising industrialization, urbanization, and economic development in emerging economies are driving up energy requirements, further amplifying the demand for shale gas.

Governmental support and favorable regulatory frameworks have also played a pivotal role in shaping the growth trajectory of the shale gas market. In several regions, authorities have implemented policies that encourage domestic production of unconventional gas, reduce import dependency, and stimulate investments in upstream activities. Incentives such as tax breaks, streamlined permitting processes, and research funding have attracted both domestic and international players to explore and develop shale resources. Moreover, collaborations between public and private sectors, along with advancements in environmental management practices, are addressing societal concerns and facilitating sustainable market growth. These collective efforts are expected to maintain a conducive environment for the expansion of the shale gas market in the coming years.

From a regional perspective, North America continues to dominate the global shale gas market, accounting for the largest share in both production and consumption. The region’s leadership is attributed to its vast shale reserves, mature infrastructure, and well-established regulatory frameworks. However, other regions such as Asia Pacific and Europe are rapidly emerging as promising markets due to increasing investments in exploration, rising energy demand, and supportive governmental initiatives. The market’s regional dynamics are further influenced by geopolitical factors, trade agreements, and technological collaborations, making it essential for stakeholders to closely monitor regional trends and opportunities.

Technology Analysis

The technological landscape of the shale gas market is characterized by rapid advanc