News Release

EIR: Density drives steepening declines in U.S. shale

Shale’s future production growth is expected to be more difficult, record-breaking, doubling production now a memory

byEnverus

CALGARY, Alberta (Aug. 15, 2023) — Enverus Intelligence Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS platform, has released a new report that examines how oil decline profiles have steepened across U.S. shale oil plays over the last decade. 

“The U.S. shale industry has been massively successful, roughly doubling the production out of the average oil well over the last decade, but that trend has slowed in recent years,” said Dane Gregoris, report author and managing director at EIR. 

“In addition, we’ve observed that declines curves, meaning the rate at which production falls over time, are getting steeper as well density increases. Summed up, the industry’s treadmill is speeding up and this will make production growth more difficult than it was in the past,” Gregoris said.

Key takeaways:

  • Even though recoveries from the average U.S. shale oil well have doubled in the past decade, production profiles for the average well have steepened more than half of a percentage point annually since 2010.
  • In the Permian, home to most U.S. oil output, the average Midland Basin oil production profile has steepened by 0.5 of a percentage point each year since 2014. The Delaware Basin has steepened by even more since that time.
  • EIR expects Permian-type curve shapes to continue to steepen over time as the basin gets more densely developed. As a result, average breakeven prices will rise.

Members of the media should contact Jon Haubert to schedule an interview with one of Enverus’ expert analysts.

About Enverus
Enverus is the most trusted, energy-dedicated SaaS platform, offering real-time access to analytics, insights and benchmark cost and revenue data sourced from our partnerships to 98% of U.S. energy producers, and more than 35,000 suppliers. Our platform, with intelligent connections, drives more efficient production and distribution, capital allocation, renewable energy development, investment and sourcing; and our experienced industry experts support our customers through thought leadership, consulting and technology innovations. We provide intelligence across the energy ecosystem: renewables, oil and gas, financial institutions, and power and utilities, with more than 6,000 customers in 50 countries. Learn more at Enverus.com.

About Enverus Intelligence Research
Enverus Intelligence ® | Research, Inc. (EIR) is a subsidiary of Enverus that publishes energy-sector research focused on the oil, natural gas, power and renewable industries. EIR publishes reports including asset and company valuations, resource assessments, technical evaluations, and macro-economic forecasts and helps make intelligent connections for energy industry participants, service companies, and capital providers worldwide.

Picture of Enverus

Enverus

Energy’s most trusted SaaS platform — creating intelligent connections that uncover insights and opportunities to deliver extraordinary outcomes.

Related News

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Surge in clean energy demand intensifies market competition
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing a report on the surge in renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) taking place since 2020.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Wood you believe it? BECCS is taking off and creating overlooked, lucrative opportunities
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing a report on the hidden economics within biomass energy carbon capture and storage (BECCS).

Enverus Press Release - Undo the queue: Enverus acquires Pearl Street Technologies to solve for a more reliable, resilient grid
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company announced today that it has acquired Pearl Street Technologies, a leading provider of automation solutions that streamline interconnection studies for transmission providers, utilities and energy developers.

Enverus Intelligence® Research - Demand, tariffs and production economics will drive reshoring revival Demand, tariffs and production economics will drive reshoring revival
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing a report that examines the impact of manufacturing load resulting from increased domestic manufacturing driven by demand,...

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - The data center decade has arrived
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing a series of reports analyzing long-term load forecast, providing an update on load growth and total system...

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - OPEC+ cuts and Trump tariffs force price downgrade
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has downgraded its Brent price forecast due to recent events including OPEC+ production cuts and President Trump’s tariffs.

Enverus Intelligence® Research Press Release - Delayed exit: Rising demand forces natural gas power plants to stay online
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released a report looking at how power plant retirements have shifted in the last three years.

Enverus Press Release - Energy’s new balancing act: The rise of renewables and effect on net load
News Release
ByEnverus

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released a report on net load trends in the Lower 48 states.

Enverus/RatedPower Press Release - RatedPower publishes 2025 Global Renewable Trends Report examining the green landscape
News Release
ByEnverus

RatedPower, a part of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, has released its 2025 Global Renewable Trends Report.

Find Out How Enverus Can Help Your Business

Subscribe to the Energy Blog

A weekly update on the latest “no-fluff” insight and analysis of the energy industry.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Get Started

Register Today

Sign Up

Power Your Insights

Connect with an Expert

Access Product Tour

Speak to an Expert