Report Highlights
The global market for unconventional natural gas extraction technologies was valued at nearly $61.2 billion in 2010 and nearly $61.6 billion in 2011. The market should reach $91.3 billion in 2016 after increasing at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%.
Report Scope
The scope of this report includes the following categories of unconventional natural gas extraction technologies:
- Vertical and directional drilling.
- Horizontal drilling.
- Hydrofracture equipment.
- Hydrofracture chemicals.
- Well completion and operation equipment.
Markets considered are shown in the following table. BCC analyzes each technology, determines its current market status, examines its impact on future markets and presents forecasts of growth over the ensuing five years. Technological issues including the latest trends are assessed and discussed, as is the current and likely ongoing regulatory environment in support of this industry.
BCC analyzes anticipated market values in light of regional and global markets for unconventional natural gas. This report examines government roles with respect to unconventional natural gas production, including regulatory requirements, support and incentives. It provides a review of the most relevant extraction technologies, discusses recent trends in well development and regional drilling and provides overviews and market assessments for each technology.
Analyst Credentials
Robert Eckard, PhD, has 15 years of experience working in the cleantech, clean transportation, clean/smart cities, advanced fuels, water and energy sectors. Having completed his dissertation at the University of California at Davis, Robert also runs a specialty industry research and technical consulting company, with an emphasis on energy, water and climate-oriented sectors, including those segments relevant to this study. Robert specializes in commercialization, data-based economic analysis, market development and penetration, environmental analysis and technical energy, environmental and market studies for Fortune 500, Global 1000 and promising startups, as well as state and local governments, other consultants and industry organizations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australia. He worked as a subcontractor under the U.S. Department of Energy providing evaluations of a wide array of industrial technologies, systems and related supply markets. He helped to successfully develop new markets in the U.S. and abroad, identify target niches and support highly successful business strategy development. Previously, he produced reports for BCC Research on global markets pertaining to energy, industry, energy efficiency, water and industrial, durable goods and related categories and technologies. Robert works directly in the industries that he analyzes and has successfully secured over $225 million in fund development for specific projects and technologies in the last six years.
Related Reports
Gas-to-Liquids Processes for Chemicals and Energy Production
The total market value of products produced using GTL (gas-to-liquids), CTL (Coal-to-liquids), and BTL (biomass-to-liquids) was $4.4 billion in 2010 and $4.5 billion in 2011. BCC projects this market will increase from $4.6 billion in 2012 to $6.8 billion by 2017, a CAGR of 8.1% over the five year period.
Petrochemical (Petroleum and Chemical) Catalysts: The U.S. Market
Catalysts for chemical, petrochemical, and petroleum refining processes constitute a significant business in the United States. BCC estimates total merchant sales of these products in the U.S. in 2010 at about $4.1 billion. The total U.S. market value is forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 2.5% to reach more than $4.6 billion by 2015.
Oilfield Process Chemicals: Global Markets
The global oilfield chemicals market is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% between 2010 and 2015 as the drilling activities return and production rates are stimulated and new wells brought online. The market should reach a value of $8.2 billion at the manufacturing level by 2015, from a value of $6.2 billion in 2010.
Carbon Capture & Storage Technologies
The report examines global markets for carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technology, the status of competing carbon capture technologies as well as global technological research and development (R&D) for carbon capture technologies to prevent global warming. Includes forecasts through 2014
Track the Latest Global Tariff Developments
In today's fast-paced global economy, tariffs are no longer static—they are dynamic levers shaped by geopolitical realignments, supply chain vulnerabilities, inflationary pressures, and sustainability-driven trade reforms. As governments worldwide recalibrate their trade strategies, businesses are left to navigate a maze of shifting rules, rising costs, and regulatory uncertainty.
Our analysis empowers you with real-time updates and in-depth expert analysis on all facets of global tariff activity. From new trade agreements and sanctions to abrupt tariff hikes and retaliatory duties, we monitor developments across borders, sectors, and industries—so you don't have to.
Whether it's the ongoing U.S.–China trade dynamics, the evolving EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), or the emerging policies in India, ASEAN, and Latin America, we provide full-spectrum coverage. We also track multilateral trade negotiations, World Trade Organization (WTO) rulings, and sector-specific duty structures—ensuring you are always ahead of global trade shifts.
With our analysis, you can stay informed, identify risks, and confidently respond to tariff changes—no matter where you operate.
Ready to see what tariff means for your business?
Consult with our experts or request your custom Tariff Impact Brife today
Stay Informed, Stay Competitive
In today's interconnected and unpredictable global economy, staying ahead of tariff shifts is not just important—it's essential. BCC Research provides decision-makers with trusted, research-driven insights that turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Our in-depth market analysis and trade intelligence help you decode how tariff changes impact your specific sector—manufacturing, healthcare, technology, agriculture, or energy. We break down complex data into actionable knowledge through comprehensive reports, expert commentaries, and sector-focused forecasts.
Our analysis includes:
- Thorough breakdowns of current and proposed tariff policies and how they affect regional and global trade flows.
- Sector-specific implications, helping you understand the strategic impact on sourcing, pricing, and competitiveness.
- Forward-looking insights to support risk management, planning, and response strategies for evolving trade conditions.
With BCC Research, you gain more than just information—you gain clarity and confidence to make well-informed decisions in a volatile trade environment.
Don't let tariffs catch you off guard—let our insights guide your strategy.
Recent Reports
Global White Hydrogen Market
The report provides an analysis of the global market for white hydrogen. Using 2024 as the base year, the report provides estimated market data for 2025 through 2030. The market in this report is segmented into by source, by application, and by region. The report concludes with profiles of the major players in the market.
Renewable Energy Regional Analysis Market: Middle East and North Africa
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the renewable energy market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, using 2024 as the base year and forecasting trends from 2025 to 2030, with estimations of compound annual growth rates (CAGR).
Electrical Switches: Technologies and Global Markets
The global market for electrical switches is expected to grow from $16.0 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $20.8 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2030.
2024 Sustainable Energy Research Review
The Energy industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry whose outlook is supposed to rise in the coming years. This report provides a sampling of the types of quantitative market information, analysis and guidance that has been aiding business decision making since the inception of BCC Research in 1971.
Renewable Energy: Technologies and Global Markets
The global market for renewable energy is estimated to increase from $1.3 trillion in 2024 to reach $2.0 trillion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2024 through 2029.
Become A Member
BCC Research offers a comprehensive library of reports, granting members unlimited access to data, insights, and market intelligence for informed business decisions, while actively supporting members in their evolving journeys and prioritizing high-quality, relevant topics based on continuous engagement with the research community.
Find Out MoreCustom Consulting
BCC Research emphasizes the importance of organizations leveraging highly customized market insights aligned with specific strategic business objectives through direct engagement with primary sources and proprietary forecasting models for profitable decision-making in maximizing growth opportunities and minimizing risks.
Customize NowScorecard
The Venture Scorecard provides commercialization offices and decision makers with expert analysis, offering strategic insights crucial for aligning objectives with market realities at various stages of commercializing new products or evaluating investment opportunities, from opportunity assessment to growth planning.
Find Out MoreInnovation Spotlight
Our industry experts offer strategic guidance to maximize the market potential of commercialized products, patents, and IP by providing insights into market trends, competitive dynamics, and effective positioning, using the Innovation Spotlight service for enhanced exposure to thought leaders and the wider community.
Find Out More