Introduction
Technology and engineering are significant aspects of successful exploration and production of hydrocarbons. In fact, economic development of oil and gas from unconventional formations such as black shales was not possible until the early 2000s when Mitchell Energy pioneered the process of "slickwater" hydraulic fracturing in the Barnett Shale of central Texas. The development of energy from shale was further advanced with technological breakthroughs in drilling methods that allowed companies to drill horizontally and therefore reach more of the shale from a single wellbore. In this section, we will examine these breakthrough technologies and how they have reshaped our energy dynamics in the United States. Although there are risks associated with drilling and producing hydrocarbons from the subsurface, regulation, proper engineering, and inspection combine to minimize risks and make the process as safe as possible. Still, members of the public commonly perceive these risks as unacceptable and some continue to oppose further development of shale energy, as well as fossil fuels in general. The present lesson explores the development of shale energy by outlining the components required for selecting a suitable site, drilling and completing one or more wells from a single well pad, and outlines the role of regulation in limiting the risk of accidents, spills, and other potential hazards.