Global ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT Hydraulic fracturing Hydraulic fracturing enables companies like ExxonMobil to access unconventional oil and natural gas resources located in shale and tight-rock formations. TIME-TESTED A proven technology with widespread economic benefits The recent revolution in energy production, brought about by the rapid growth of unconventional gas and oil development in the United States, has generated widespread economic benefits as well as significant greenhouse gas reductions. Hydraulic fracturing is one of several steps in the process of developing unconventional resources. At its most basic level, a “conventional” resource will flow on its own to the wellbore, while an “unconventional” resource will not. In this context, “unconventional” refers to oil and gas contained in layers of hard rock. Hydraulic fracturing is the process by which the rock is broken up, allowing the oil and gas trapped inside to flow to the well. Although new technologies have made the use of hydraulic fracturing increasingly prevalent, it is not a new practice. Hydraulic fracturing has been used in over 1 million wells worldwide over the last six decades. Recent innovations in fracking have enabled oil and natural gas producers to unlock vast new energy supplies from ‘tight’ rock sources such as shale. This energy abundance has brought with it new jobs, lower prices for consumers and a manufacturing renaissance. Suzanne McCarron Vice President of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Hydraulic fracturing: How it works Play Video Natural gas competes in every sector World – percent of total energy demand Technologies like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have dramatically altered the natural gas supply landscape. EXXONMOBIL’S ROLE Accessing abundant new resources responsibly As with any industrial process, developing unconventional resources entails certain risks. Throughout the entire unconventional oil and natural gas life cycle, from exploration to decommissioning, care is taken to minimize the disruption to the community and protect the environment. How hydraulic fracturing has been used safely and reliably for over 60 years Article • 11 Sept. 2018 Hydraulic fracturing: protecting communities and the environment Article • 11 Sept. 2018 Unconventional resources development risk management report to shareholders Report SUSTAINABILITY REPORT Water Management ExxonMobil seeks to continuously improve the development and implementation of water-management strategies. When conditions are right, water recycling can reduce the cost of hydraulic fracturing operations and can preserve water resources for the surrounding environment. Learn more Corporate Careers News Contact us MSA Statements Privacy center Privacy policy Terms and conditions © Copyright 2003-2021 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All Rights Reserved By clicking “Accept all cookies”, you agree to the storing of optional cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. If you wish to adjust your cookie settings, please click “Customize Cookies”. You can also learn more by clicking Privacy policy Accept all cookies Customize cookies