Drilling in the Permian
Permian leads the shale charge
Output is creeping up in the US but still faces a tough task in rebounding to pre-Covid levels
Shale production in the Lower 48 US states is poised to recover significantly in 2021, buoyed by WTI above $50/bl and rising energy demand. But set against cautious capex, limited well completions and regulatory headwinds, crude output will still fall considerably short of pre-Covid volumes and could be pushed further off course if a number of factors coalesce to bring more non-US barrels to the market or dent post-Covid energy demand. The Permian basin will be the key driver of US shale production and the only region likely to approach full recovery. The basin faced steep output declines last year—the highest in absolute terms but among the lowest proportionally, highlighting its importance
Also in this section
1 April 2025
There is method to the US president’s apparent madness, and those seeking to understand need look no further than their local bookshop
1 April 2025
Strong economic growth targets are encouraging for the country’s energy demand growth, even if meeting those goals might be a tall order
28 March 2025
The Central Asian country is positioning itself as a low-carbon leader, but antiquated infrastructure and a dependence on Russia are holding it back
28 March 2025
MCEDD 2025 took place in Madrid this week with record attendance and a wide-ranging programme, reflecting the deepwater sector’s renewed momentum, strategic focus and accelerating technological innovation.
