Attracting

Rapid development of the Marcellus Shale is attracting new exploration and production (E&P) activity, a trend that is affecting long-standing national and regional gas flows, as well as regional pricing, according to a new report from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P).

With its oil and liquids-rich play, the Bakken Shale in North Dakota keeps attracting prospective drilling operations even as the formation’s overall rig count has declined slightly since January, according to the state’s latest monthly statistics at the end of August.

Fledgling Canadian shale gas development is growing a new wing that is attracting Asian as well as North American investment attention as a supply source with potential to reach international scale.

Fledgling Canadian shale gas development is growing a new wing that is attracting Asian as well as North American investment attention as a supply source with potential to reach international scale.

The rich gas corridor of the Marcellus Shale is attracting producers even at low natural gas prices, but while most natural gas liquids (NGL) command a premium in the Northeast, the lack of ethane markets in the region is a challenge, according to several industry players.

The rich gas corridor of the Marcellus Shale is attracting producers even at low natural gas prices, but while most natural gas liquids (NGL) command a premium in the Northeast, the lack of ethane markets in the region is a challenge, according to several industry players.

While pre-paid, long-term natural gas purchases by consortiums of public-sector utilities are still attracting attention, at least one major muni financing arm, the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), has moved away from prepaid gas. Instead, SCPPA is adding natural gas reserves and carrying out almost a perpetual bidding program for new renewable projects.

Natural gas exports to the United States are attracting hostile political attention on the buying side of the Canadian market as tightening supplies and strong prices affect industrial consumption and employment. Closure of six Ontario and Alberta plants, at a cost of 550 jobs, by Dow Chemical Canada prompted an immediate call for government intervention by the Ottawa-based Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

Natural gas exports to the United States are attracting hostile political attention on the buying side of the Canadian market as tightening supplies and strong prices affect industrial consumption and employment. Closure of six Ontario and Alberta plants, at a cost of 550 jobs, by Dow Chemical Canada prompted an immediate call for government intervention by the Ottawa-based Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.