Why has the production of natural gas increased in recent years?

The production of natural gas has seen a significant increase in recent years primarily due to advancements in extraction technologies, notably fracking and directional drilling. These methods have revolutionized the ability to access vast reserves of natural gas that were previously considered too difficult or uneconomical to extract.

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves injecting high-pressure fluid into underground rock formations to create fractures that release natural gas. This technique allows for the extraction of gas from shale formations, which have become major sources of domestic energy. Directional drilling complements fracking by enabling drillers to access gas deposits located far from the surface and beneath obstacles, enhancing the efficiency of the extraction process.

In contrast, while increased demand from urban areas, higher oil prices, and improved coal mining technologies may contribute to energy market dynamics, they do not directly drive the substantial rise in natural gas production as much as the innovative extraction techniques do. The combination of these technologies has led to a boom in natural gas supply, making it a more prominent player in the energy sector.