Has unconventional oil and gas finally gone global?

Unconventional exploration outside of the US Lower 48 is experiencing a resurgence, and this time, the momentum comes from a position of strength. 

Shale and tight projects in Latin America, China and the Middle East have matured, with some now surpassing the scale of rival US assets. This international progress challenges the long-standing narrative that exploratory global shale plays of the 2010s failed to achieve material significance—a perception rooted in high-profile setbacks in Poland and Colombia, for example. 

The numbers tell a compelling story. By 2030, combined production from plays like the Vaca Muerta, Jafurah and China’s Ordos Basin could combine to rival the Permian Basin's current output (boe/d), an extraordinary milestone with even greater potential for future expansion. 

Importantly, today’s shale explorers hunting for the next non-US successes are approaching international unconventional plays with a pragmatic mindset too. The focus has shifted to much more targeted efforts in high-potential areas, supported by the absolute best geological conditions and most favourable market dynamics. This differs from the broad, often speculative campaigns of the last decade. 

What does this mean for tangible future growth in specific geographies and regimes? And what challenges remain to be addressed? 

Our latest report, Has Unconventional Oil and Gas Finally Gone Global?, explores these questions and more. Complete the form above to download a summary slide deck with key insights, including: 

• The materiality of major projects and their competitiveness versus US Lower 48 unconventional assets. 

• Commercial enablers and risks in appraisal geographies that could become the next set of successful plays. 

• Perspectives on analogue models and future performance expectations. 

Fill in the form above to access these insights and discover how the unconventional sector continues to evolve on a global scale.