Potential Gas Committee reports future natural gas supplies in U.S. at highest reported level on record

GOLDEN, Colorado – The Potential Gas Committee (PGC) released its biennial assessment of the nation’s estimated natural gas resource base, “Potential Supply of Natural Gas in the United States,” at an event hosted by the American Gas Association. Experts from the PGC presented on the current state of technically recoverable resources in the United States, providing valuable information on a region-by-region basis. 

Future gas supply totals 3,978 trillion cubic feet in 2022, an increase of 3.6 percent from the comparable year-end estimate in 2020. Technically recoverable resources of natural gas – those in the ground but not yet recovered – total 3,352 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) in 2022, according to the PGC assessment. An independent assessment of proven reserve volumes of 625 Tcf brings total future supply to the highest level assessed in the 59-year history of the PGC. 

The PGC biennial assessment is the most comprehensive report of the potential for future natural gas supplies in the U.S. The PGC is made up of approximately 80 knowledgeable and highly experienced volunteer members who work in the natural gas exploration, production, transportation and distribution industries, as well as the technical services and consulting sectors. 

The Potential Gas Committee assesses the natural gas resource potential for 90 geologic provinces comprising six geographic areas of the Lower 48 States and Alaska, 56 of which are onshore and 34 offshore. The assessment captures the status of a dynamic system of drilling and appraisal. Potential natural gas resources transition into proven reserves and eventually into flowing natural gas production.  

The PGC’s assessment of Traditional resources for year-end 2020 to year-end 2022 reported a decrease of 15 Tcf, while Future Gas Supply, which includes additions or subtractions to proven reserves, increased by 137 Tcf. Adding current future supply (3,978 Tcf) to cumulative production (1,554 Tcf) changes the Ultimate Recoverable Resource to 5,532 Tcf, an increase of 213 Tcf (4.0 percent) from year-end 2020.  

The Executive Summary of the report can be accessed here. 

How to Obtain the Potential Gas Committee Report

Orders for the PGC’s report, Potential Supply of Natural Gas in the United States (December 31, 2022), may now be placed with the Potential Gas Agency, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401-1887. The cost of the report is US$400 (plus applicable sales tax for Colorado orders). Purchasers will receive both the printed report and a digital version (PDF file) of the document.

For additional information about ordering the new and previous reports, please contact Dr. Eric Roberts, Director of the Potential Gas Agency, 303-273-3887, eric.roberts@mines.edu

About the Potential Gas Committee

The Potential Gas Committee (PGC) consists of ~80 knowledgeable and highly experienced volunteer members who work in the natural gas exploration, production, transportation and distribution industries, technical services, and consulting sectors. The PGC benefits from the input of respected technical advisors and observers within federal and state government agencies, academia, industry, and research organizations in the United States.

Although the PGC functions independently, the Potential Gas Agency at Colorado School of Mines provides the Committee with guidance, technical assistance, training, administrative support, and assistance with member recruitment and outreach. The PGA receives financial support from prominent E&P companies, gas pipeline companies, distributors, trade associations, and individuals.