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Permalink Reply by JHH on December 20, 2012 at 13:19

Good article.  They left out the Cline Shale in the Permian Basin.  I suppose we'll find out more about it in 2013.

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Permalink Reply by Hopeful About Natural Gas on December 23, 2012 at 16:58

Don't we have fracking to thank for this? 

Is it all a byproduct of gas production or is fracking being used to go for oil itself?

anyway, it's great news that I have waited all my adult life to hear (I remember the oil embargo of the 70s)

let's make sure that it stays "on target" to pass Arabia by 2020 - 7 years. Just 7 years. Maybe we can do it quicker? I am 61 and I'd sure like to see it.

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Permalink Reply by Aubrey C. Sanders, Jr. on December 24, 2012 at 5:42

Simply put, fracking is "used to go for oil". , with the expectation of having gas to lift the oil to the surface. Oil wells can be produced by pumping but that adds substantial production costs.

, especially if you have to pump from 12,000 feet as is the case in the Smackover formation in my area (North Shongaloo-Red Rock Field).

I also want to see us pass Saudi Arabia and do expect to see that happen, and I am 79 yrs. of age. As a geologist with 55 + years of experience in the business I remain optimistic.

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Permalink Reply by Hopeful About Natural Gas on December 25, 2012 at 9:29

thanks Aubrey, I understand that process better now and the difference between having to pump for oil and having gas lift it out.

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