Over the last few years, I laid out the bullish case for natural gas, and I’m wholly convinced it will become the dominant energy source in the United States within the next few decades.
That’s because the past five years of developing unconventional gas resources has led to both record consumption and production within the U.S.
Marketed production of natural gas was believed to have peaked at 22.6 trillion cubic feet in 1973. At least, that was the case until 2011, when it topped more than 24 trillion cubic feet and then posted a new record of 25.3 trillion cubic feet just a year later.
But why stop there? For the first 10 months of 2013, the U.S. was on another record-setting spree, producing 21.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas through October.
What’s interesting, however, isn’t necessarily that production is in record territory, but that it’s this high in spite of certain things — an ultra-low price environment and a staggering decline in gas-drilling activity, for instance.
Although it’s certainly true that prices have rebounded considerably since falling to $2/Mcf levels during the spring of 2012, remember that gas prices have been relatively flat since plummeting in 2008.
As you might expect, companies like Encana Corp. — one of the natural gas powerhouses in North America — are transitioning their production portfolios away from gas. Nearly one-third of Encana’s 2014 production growth will be from liquids.
This isn’t an anomaly…
Cheap gas prices had a devastating effect on drilling activity, forcing nearly every gas producer in the lower 48 states to focus on liquids production.
Above, you’ll see that just 372 rigs are targeting natural gas — over 75% less than the near 1,600 that were operating in 2008.
Is the situation finally turning to the upside?
Our Gas-Filled World: Export Scenario Ahead
With the exception of renewables, natural gas is the only source of energy poised for growth over the next three decades, with U.S. demand for natural gas expected to reach 31.6 trillion cubic feet in 2014.
Take it a step further, and you can see the EIA shows us exactly where this growth will happen between now and 2040…
One thing, however, doesn’t change: The industrial and electric power sectors will still account for 70% of natural gas consumption.
In the electrical power sector, the EIA expects the ultimate crossover from coal to natural gas will occur in 2035. This a radical change considering coal currently generates about 41% of the United States’ electric power.
Personally, I think the EIA is wrong on this one.
Two years ago, I mentioned that the most overlooked fact in U.S. electrical generation is the amount of coal-fired plants slated to retire going forward.
(Click image to enlarge)
This crossover wouldn’t be such a major issue if over 90% of our coal consumption weren’t in electrical generation!
That’s a grim outlook no matter how you slice it.
Passing Major Gas: True Gas Export Profits
I know the prospect of a multi-decade investment isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It would make a few day-traders I know laugh uproariously. Fortunately, there are a few other gas opportunities on the horizon…
The U.S. is on pace to finally become a net natural gas exporter within the next three years. There are roughly 21 LNG export projects still seeking approval, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see a number of these get a thumbs-up from the U.S. Department of Energy.
And yet, despite the media frenzy in 2013 on potential LNG exports from U.S. coasts, this is a sucker’s bet right now.
Why? Not only does Canada hold a geographical advantage over the U.S., but rapidly growing shale gas production in the U.S. has led to even cheaper gas prices in Canada.
Of course, that’s not to mention the gas crisis developing south of the border. And contrary to popular belief, liquefied natural gas won’t be the biggest part of U.S. natural gas exports going forward…
Next time, I’ll show you exactly where our gas will flow and how to capitalize on this burgeoning opportunity.
Until next time,
Keith Kohl
Check us out on YouTube!A true insider in the technology and energy markets, Keith’s research has helped everyday investors capitalize from the rapid adoption of new technology trends and energy transitions. Keith connects with hundreds of thousands of readers as the Managing Editor of Energy & Capital, as well as the investment director of Angel Publishing’s Energy Investor and Technology and Opportunity.
For nearly two decades, Keith has been providing in-depth coverage of the hottest investment trends before they go mainstream — from the shale oil and gas boom in the United States to the red-hot EV revolution currently underway. Keith and his readers have banked hundreds of winning trades on the 5G rollout and on key advancements in robotics and AI technology.
Keith’s keen trading acumen and investment research also extend all the way into the complex biotech sector, where he and his readers take advantage of the newest and most groundbreaking medical therapies being developed by nearly 1,000 biotech companies. His network includes hundreds of experts, from M.D.s and Ph.D.s to lab scientists grinding out the latest medical technology and treatments. You can join his vast investment community and target the most profitable biotech stocks in Keith’s Topline Trader advisory newsletter.
