News Release

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
August 15, 2023

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

EIR forecasts modest impact on U.S. natural gas demand from data center expansion
News Release
ByEnverus
December 3, 2025

Enverus Intelligence® Research forecasts more conservative U.S. data center load growth, citing stricter utility requirements and policy changes that have reduced speculative projects and reshaped the outlook for natural gas demand.

Enverus unveils 2025 winter power outlook, spotlights renewables and market shifts
News Release
ByEnverus
December 2, 2025

Enverus releases its 2025 Winter Power Market Outlook, highlighting growth in solar and battery storage, key policy shifts, and actionable forecasts for North American power markets.

Distributed generation The turbines are coming
News Release
ByEnverus
November 26, 2025

Enverus Intelligence® Research reveals how distributed generation and behind-the-meter power are accelerating to meet hyperscale data center demand amid grid delays and infrastructure bottlenecks.

Utilities reshape rate structures amid data center boom
News Release
ByEnverus
November 25, 2025

Enverus Intelligence® Research reveals how U.S. utilities are reshaping rate structures and interconnection requirements to manage the surge in data center demand, with new tariffs driving down speculative proposals and enabling significant cost savings for flexible operators.

ERCOT battery profits drop as market saturation reshapes Texas storage
News Release
ByEnverus
November 19, 2025

Enverus Intelligence® Research analyzes how battery saturation and shifting operator strategies are driving a sharp decline in ERCOT battery storage profits, revealing key trends and future market challenges for Texas’s energy sector.

Thanks to solar and nuclear, U.S. power generation to grow 57% by 2050
News Release
ByEnverus
November 18, 2025

A new Enverus Intelligence® Research report forecasts 57% growth in U.S. power grid capacity by 2050, highlighting the transition to solar energy, nuclear power, and renewable energy as coal retires. Discover key trends, regional impacts, and technology shifts shaping the...

Baytex Energy Becomes Pure-Play Canadian Producer with $2.3B Eagle Ford Exit
Analyst Takes News Release
ByDrew Depoe
November 12, 2025

Following Baytex Energy’s announcement to exit the Eagle Ford through a $2.3 billion (C$3.25 billion) asset sale, Drew Depoe, Senior Analyst at Enverus Intelligence® Research, offered perspective on the strategic implications of the deal.

EIR adjusts Brent forecast due to expected stock surge
News Release
ByEnverus
November 12, 2025

Enverus Intelligence® Research revises its Brent and Henry Hub forecasts downward for 2026, citing inventory surpluses and muted demand. LNG prices remain resilient despite oversupply concerns.

Global gas, LNG, Haynesville and Permian outlooks reveal key trends in production, pricing and infrastructure expansion
News Release
ByEnverus
November 5, 2025

Explore new Enverus Intelligence® Research reports on global gas demand, LNG market resilience, Haynesville drilling efficiency, and Permian pipeline expansions.

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

Register Today

Sign Up

Power Your Insights

Connect with an Expert

Access Product Tour

Speak to an Expert