EAGLE FORD SHALE WHERE ARE ALL THOSE LIQUIDS GONNA GO?

摘要

Development of the Texas Eagle Ford Shale is in its infancy. In 2008, a mere 26 drilling permits were issued for the area, while over 1,200 such permits were issued in the first half of 2011. The anticipated rapid expansion of production from this area has sparked significant support for the development of regional infrastructure to gather, treat, process, and transport Eagle Ford production. Natural gas liquids (NGL) and condensate volumes from the Eagle Ford will likely overwhelm demand in local south Texas markets, significantly impact Houston and Corpus Christi markets, and affect distant markets accessible via Houston/Corpus Christi. The ultimate disposition of these liquids will depend upon the quality of the Eagle Ford streams relative to competing feedstocks, supply rates over time, pipeline utilization, and demand along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in other economically-accessible markets. The competitive value of Eagle Ford NGL and condensate will depend upon the availability of adequate, well-positioned infrastructure. An assessment of the market potential for Eagle Ford NGL and condensate is provided, including analysis of the potential to supply Eagle Ford condensate to meet diluent demand for transportation of Canadian heavy crude streams.