DoE's Windberg: US shale to benefit from AI
Using artificial intelligence to analyse what is happening subsurface could have a huge impact on fracking's productivity
While no one would question the phenomenal success of US shale in terms of volume, making the country the world’s biggest producer, it has not been a great year for producers. Suffering under a relatively low oil price, rig counts have been falling for some time, and some suggest it has been a net consumer of capital since it exploded on the scene. “What the shale revolution has done—and is not clearly understood—is that the cycle times are much shorter now,” US assistant secretary for fossil energy Steven Winberg tells Petroleum Economist, noting that 40 years ago it took three to five years to put a platform in the Gulf of Mexico and start producing. “Now, a year is probably reasonable for
Also in this section
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
