Natural Gas 101

So how do we get natural gas from the ground? There are two processes I will discuss, hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. These processes are used simultaneously. Hydraulic fracturing, aka fracking, is a method that stimulates the flow of natural gas in ground rock formations.Typically, a well is drilled vertically several thousands of feet underground to the designated rock formation (usually shale), and laid horizontally, which is horizontal drilling. Then fluid, which consists of water, sand, and certain additives, is pumped through the well at high pressure to open up rock fractures in the designated rock formation. The internal pressure causes fluid to be sent to the surface. Presto! We have natural gas. 

Source: Our Environment

Horizontal drilling allows for a multitude of vertical wells to be drilled from a single well pad. These wells fan out upon reaching the specified layer of rock formation allowing for an increase of natural gas production from a single well pad.

Here is a picture from the Energy Information Administration on natural gas power plants, depicted by the blue flame, and interstate pipelines in Arizona.

Source: Energy Information Administration

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2012 Arizona produced 117 million cu ft. of natural gas. More than two-thirds of natural gas is used in the power sector in Arizona, while the other third is used in the residential sector. In 2012, Arizona consumed 339.1 trillion btu of natural gas. Arizona does not have an underground natural gas storage facility so most of the natural gas that is used in Arizona is imported. The two primary rock formations that supply natural gas for Arizona are the San Juan Basin in New Mexico and the Permian Basin in Texas. The natural gas is imported through interstate natural gas pipelines.

This picture depicts the United States' natural gas pipelines in 2007 and the states that are dependent on interstate natural gas pipelines as their primary supply of natural gas. The grey states represent dependent states.

Source: Energy Information Administration

Upcoming blog: Trends of natural gas, and the potential impact of the EPA's proposed Clean Power Plan ruling on natural gas.