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The Appalachian Basin is the largest onshore basin in the U.S. in terms of area, and much of the basin remains relatively unexplored. Cumulatively the Appalachian and Illinois Basins, which together span ten eastern states, have produced more than 50 TCF of natural gas. Yet after more than a century of production, equal or greater quantities are still waiting to be tapped. Current estimates of remaining technically recoverable resources (including proved reserves) are in the range of 79 to 96 TCF. The majority of the remaining hydrocarbons exist in unconventional settings, primarily coal seams, Devonian-age shales and tight gas sands, as well as deeper formations. [Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) & DOE, March 2006]

The USGS estimates as much as 1.9 TCF of technically recoverable reserves exist in the region’s New Albany Shale. The formation is drawing significant interest. Several companies are consolidating large lease blocks or obtaining gas production permits. Companies successfully drilling New Albany wells in Kentucky include Inexco Oil Company (Butler County) and Endeavor Energy Resources LP (Breckinridge County), with Quicksilver Resources (Meade County) and El Paso Production Co. (Daviess County) having success in Indiana (IOGCC, March 2006). Chesapeake Energy Corporation is also active in the area.
LEARN ABOUT THE WESTERN KENTUCKY SHALE PLAY
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