I worked in the oilfield circa 1982. Trust me, they had fracking back then. So it’s been around for at least 30 years.
The Frackers: The Outrageous Inside Story of the New Billionaire Wildcatters Hardcover
by Gregory Zuckerman (Author)
And one more... Before the extraction of oil began off the coast of California the beaches were all but unusable in some areas because of the “natural” seepage that occurred. Now, because the oil is being removed from offshore? Pristine beaches. Fracking no doubt also removes oil from other underground water sources.
Yep, fracking been around a long time. Over 1.2 million wells have been fracked.
The real breakthrough was when George Mitchell (Mitchell Energy, since sold to Devon) invented the drill bit that allowed drilling down and then turning and going horizontal. My Dad’s family business (with me in the field) staked wells for George in the 60’s and 70’s. He just passed away a couple of years ago.
Shale oil and gas are deposited in somewhat narrow horizontal layers, vertical drilling won’t work. But you can go through miles of the layer by going horizontal. My current paying wells go several miles through 18-21 owners of acreages of various sizes.
In PA I beleive fracking is more viable due to the ability to drill horizontally.
Was that available back then or is it the reason it is more viable now?
Just curious.