Report examines 2018 natural gas record marks
A recently released U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) report determined America set new records in natural gas production, consumption and exports last year.
The EIA’s Natural Gas Annual 2018 revealed dry natural gas production increased by 12 percent, reaching a record-high average of 83.8 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) while representing the largest percentage increase since 1951 and the largest volumetric increase in the history of the series – dating back to 1930.
The analysis showed natural gas consumption increased by 11 percent last year, bolstered by increased natural gas consumption in the electric power sector.
Natural gas gross exports totaled 10.0 Bcf/d in 2018, 14 percent more than the 2017 total of 8.6 Bcf/d. Officials attributed several new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities coming online in 2018 as a factor in the rise.
Natural gas demand as a home heating fuel was greater last year than in 2017, per the report, citing slightly colder weather during most of the winter while the summer of 2018 saw record-high temperatures resulting in increased demand for air conditioning and electricity – much of which was fueled by natural gas.
Natural gas production growth was concentrated in the Appalachian, Permian and Haynesville regions according to the EIA’s breakdown.
