1. Precipitation patterns
2.Snowpack: water is released over time as the snow slowly melts
3. Reservoir storage
4. Drought
These factors illustrate the complex nature of hydropower generation which makes it difficult to forecast annual hydropower generation.
The Netherlands receives as much crude oil from the U.S. as the rest of the world with China a close second. How firm are these markets in the policy making decisions of the U.S.
Permian Basin Map
The Permian basin in West Texas is one the mostly widely known producing areas in the U.S. Improvements in horizontal drilling technology and fracking techniques have made it one of the premier producing regions in the world.
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking is a proven technology to improve oil and gas production from "tite" geologic formations and shale zones. these "tier" formations are characterized geologically as having low porosity and permeability. This technologies make it possible for zones previously thought to be uneconomic to be produced at profitable rates.
A combination of water, sand, and anti friction fluids are pumped down the well to create small fissures or cracks to release gas trapped oil or natural gas. Generally these frack fluids are 99% water.
Fracking has used for well completions for more than 50 years. The water used in the frack process is recycled for future frack jobs. The industry has made big strides in reducing emissions such as eliminating flaring of gas while improving production rates for wells.
The Permian basin is an example of industry evolution in a complex world of oil and gas horizontal drilling and development.
Underground gas in storage remains above the 5 year moving average. There is considerably more gas in storage than during the last 2 winter drawdowns. This does not bode well for summer natural gas prices.
