Oslo-based research firm Rystad Energy said Tuesday U.S. natural gas production is expected to reach a record high of 100 billion cubic feet per day “in the coming months.” Rystad said production growth in major U.S. gas-producing basins Appalachia and Haynesville along with associated gas production in Permian will stretch the nation’s lead over Russia, confirm its world leadership in natural gas output, and exceed growth projections. Rystad said shale gas play Haynesville alone is set to grow by 2.6 Bcfd this year to reach 14 Bcfd in 2022 and 17.2 Bcfd in 2023 for annual output.
“Already the top gas producer in the world,” Rystad senior analyst Kristine Vassbotn said, “the U.S. stands ready to boost output further to meet the global demand, but takeaway constraints are a serious risk.” Haynesville was the leader in gas production in 2010-12, but Appalachian giant Marcellus “kept growing – leaving the others far behind” as Haynesville declined in 2012-17. Rystad said only U.S. and Russia produce more natural gas than Appalachia.
