From the Oil & Gas financial journal.
http://www.ogfj.com/index/article-display/0540572941/articles/oil-gas-financial-journal/e-__p/unconventional/oil-shale/utica/utica-shale_decline.html
Published: Jul 14, 2010
Not promising. That is how the Quebec Utica shale decline rate was described in a July 12 report from Jefferies & Co. The St. Edouard #1A horizontal well operated by Talisman Energy Inc. (NYSE: TLM) is currently flowing about 1.4 MMcf/d after testing 134 days according to Calgary-based Questerre Energy Corp.
“The well averaged 5.3 MMcf/d in its first 30 days, but the decline is steeper than any major shale plays in development. For instance, a Marcellus well with 5.3 MMcf/d first month average rate would be flowing about 2.5 MMcf/d in its fifth month, while comparable Haynesville and Eagle Ford wells would be producing around 2.2-2.3 MMcf/d,” noted the report.
Talisman and Questerre are currently completing operations on the Gentilly No. 2 horizontal well in the St. Lawrence Lowlands, Québec.
Questerre also noted that drilling operations are underway on the next horizontal well, St. Gertrude No. 1, situated roughly 12 km southwest of the Gentilly No. 2 horizontal well. Total measured depth for this well is programmed at 3300m with a 1000m horizontal leg into the middle Utica interval. Subject to final results, Questerre expects the completion will likely include an 8-stage fracture stimulation with results later this year.
