Operators

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

Global drilling availability narrows as demand rises
Newsroom
Oilfield Services
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research identifies the global regions best positioned for rig deployment and the geopolitical and operational factors shaping future growth. Discover where global land drilling opportunities are emerging as international demand rises and market access becomes increasingly constrained.

Enverus unveils top U.S. drillers of 2026
Newsroom
Oilfield Services
ByJon Haubert

Enverus releases its 2026 rankings of top U.S. land drilling contractors and customers, using the latest drilling data to benchmark footage, pace, well design and rig activity.

Who the FERC is ready Grading grid readiness for large loads
Newsroom
Financial Services, Power & Renewables
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research evaluates U.S. grid readiness for large data center loads, finding SPP ahead on regulatory certainty while major PJM and MISO project pipelines remain exposed to timing and cost risks.

Behind-the-meter generation forecast Skipping the queue
Newsroom
Financial Services, Power & Renewables
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research forecasts 25.5 GW of U.S. industrial demand will rely on behind-the-meter generation through 2030, with data centers driving 88% of demand and speed-to-power shaping technology choices.

2Q26 U.S. upstream M&A slows to $9.1 billion amid crude volatility
Newsroom
Financial Services, Operators
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research examines the 2Q26 slowdown in U.S. upstream M&A and the factors that could drive stronger deal activity later in 2026.

Brent holds at $100 as global supply risks persist
Newsroom
Financial Services, Trading & Risk
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research examines the 2Q26 slowdown in U.S. upstream M&A and the factors that could drive stronger deal activity later in 2026.

Race to resiliency Tax-credit phaseout expected to push renewable PPA prices higher
Newsroom
Financial Services, Power & Renewables
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research identifies 759 planned U.S. wind and solar projects that may require higher PPA prices to remain economic as federal clean electricity tax credits phase out.

New Mexico geothermal lease sale resets federal acreage pricing
Newsroom
Financial Services, Midstream
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research finds New Mexico’s BLM geothermal lease sale averaged $107/acre and set multiple records, resetting pricing expectations ahead of Idaho’s November auction.

New forecast separates organic electricity demand from structural load growth
Newsroom
Financial Services, Power & Renewables
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research’s 80-zone Lower 48 forecast separates organic electricity demand from data centers, EVs and other structural drivers to clarify the baseline outlook through 2050.

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

Sign up for our Blog

Ready to Subscribe?

Ready to Get Started?