In February 2014, the number of producing wells in North Dakota reached an all-time record high of 10,186. The information was released in the North Dakota Industrial Commission's (NDIC) Director's Cut for Aril 2014. The number of producing wells in North Dakota has risen month over month since the beginning of the year.
Approximately 94% of all oil production in February came from the Bakken and Three forks formation - 892,399 b/d. Another 6% came from legacy conventional pools.
Read more: Bakken Production Sets Another Record - More than 10,000 ND Wells Producing
Weather had the most significant impact on production in January and February. In the month of February alone, there were 18 days with temperatures five or more degrees below normal. Four days were recorded where wind gusts were too high for completion work. During this time frame, Hess's Tioga natural gas plant expansion plans were delayed; and company officials cited poor weather conditions as the cause. As a result, approximately 100 wells in North Dakota had to be shut-in to reduce flaring. In March, Hess began selling gas from its' Tioga plant.
Read more: Hess to Begin Selling Bakken Natural Gas from Tioga Plant
“NDIC Director Lynn Helms commented, “the drilling rig count was pretty much unchanged from January to February, and the number of well completions was up slightly from 60 to 70. Days from spud to initial production decreased 8 days to 114. Investor confidence appears to be growing. There were still over 100 wells shut in for the Tioga gas plant conversion in an attempt to minimize flaring, but the biggest production impact was still the weather.”
Highlights from the NDIC's Director's Cut
- Jan Oil - 935,126 b/d
- Feb Oil - 951,340 b/d
- Feb Oil - 892,399 b/d from the Bakken and Three Forks (94%)
- Jan Gas - 1,013,142 MCF/day
- Feb Gas - 1,063,756 MCF/day
- Jan Producing Wells - 10,114
- Feb Producing Wells - 10,186 (preliminary)(Record)
- 7,065 Wells or 69% are now unconventional Bakken – Three forks wells
- 3,121 wells or 31% produce from legacy conventional pools
- Jan Permitting - 253 drilling and 0 seismic
- Feb Permitting - 180 drilling and 5 seismic
- Mar Permitting - 250 drilling and 2 seismic
Read more at dmr.nd.gov