The Barnett Shale is a geologic formation of sedimentary rock that contains natural gas. Experts suggest that it may be one of the largest onshore natural gas fields in North America. The Barnett Shale has already produced more than 4.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas – enough to produce the energy needed to heat every home in Texas for years to come – and is expected to produce an additional 40 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resources.
Location
The Barnett Shale formation is estimated to stretch across 20 counties in north central Texas, covering approximately 5,000 square miles. The major portion of potential development is located directly beneath Tarrant, Johnson and western Dallas counties, about a mile and a half underground.
Natural gas drilling in north central Texas became economically feasible for development in the early 2000s, when advanced drilling and completion techniques were developed. Horizontal drilling enables production companies to tap into natural gas reserves in the Barnett Shale.\
Natural Gas Operators
“Energy companies” are not all alike. Some companies specialize in leasing mineral rights or running title researches. Others are major exploration and production (E&P) companies — also referred to as “operators.” Yet others are service companies working primarily for operators in drilling or completion functions. Publicly traded E&P companies with strong operations in this market include Chesapeake, Devon, EOG, Quicksilver, Williams and XTO Energy. There are also many smaller, privately-owned or foreign-owned energy companies involved in the play. It’s smart to check out the background and references of any companies you may be working with.
Chesapeake Energy
Chesapeake Energy is one of the largest producers of natural gas in the nation and the most active driller of new wells in the U.S. Chesapeake was named Best-Managed Energy Company by Forbes in 2007. Chesapeake also received the "Excellence in Innovation and Diversity" award for our unprecedented work at DFW International Airport. Fortune magazine has voted Chesapeake one of the nation's "100 Best Companies to Work For®" for two consecutive years, 2008 - 2009. The company has been doing business in Texas since 1990, and has numerous offices throughout Tarrant and Johnson counties, including a corporate office in downtown Fort Worth.