Output from unconventional projects is expected to account for much of the anticipated US production growth during 2015 although falling crude oil prices could trigger a slower production pace than some forecasters suggested months ago.
The Energy Information Administration forecast in late 2014 that US oil production would rise to 9.32 million b/d in 2015. Rising oil and gas production stems largely from horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, which have boosted output from shale formations in North Dakota, Texas, and other states.
In late 2014, Adam Sieminski, EIA administrator, said that 2015 oil prices are expected to remain high enough "to support new drilling in the major shale areas in North Dakota and Texas, which account for most of the growth in US production."
Seven regions accounted for 95% of US oil production growth and all US natural gas production growth during 2011-13, according to statistics from EIA's drilling productivity reports. Those regions-listed without any order as far as production-are the Bakken, Niobrara, Permian, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus, and Utica.
"US oil production growth is expected to slow...in response to lower crude prices, but annual output is forecast to still increase to the highest level since 1972," Sieminski said of 2015 expectations.
Meanwhile, rising shale production had the US on track to cut its reliance on imported crude oil to an estimated 42% during 2014, the lowest level in decades, he said.
In 2011, the US relied on imports for 44.8% of its petroleum supply, down from 60.3% in 2005, EIA data showed.
"What's happening in North Dakota and in Texas...is a tremendous development for US oil production and economic growth," Sieminski said.
