Natural gas production is more important than ever as an energy resource. To produce natural gas is a large undertaking that requires drilling, processing, transporting, storage and pipeline building—each are sub-industries within the natural gas industry.

Producing natural gas is getting easier and less costly as technology is developed to aid in the exploration and refinement of natural gas. Natural gas production facilities are located inside and outside of the US and these natural gas production companies can partner with transportation and storage providers, pipeline builders and other companies. Safety issues are of paramount importance and companies have to work with the state and federal government in many areas of production.

1. US natural gas producers are exploring in the US and outside the US in Mexico, Brazil and Egypt to name three other countries.

2. The production of natural gas is taking place throughout the US and the world with a lot of global investing.

3. Natural gas reserves are considered high in the US, which is why there has been a huge investment in technology and other resources to harvest and store natural gas. Natural gas exists onshore and offshore.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the big picture on natural gas production

The natural gas industry generates much business in many areas. It is important to get the whole picture of the industry and see where your company can have a role to play.

I recommend: A list of the top natural gas producers in the country from the Energy Information Administration can give you a good idea where the most work is being performed. Natural Gas Org gives a complete business overview of the industry broken down into markets.

Check out the big natural gas production companies

These big companies have sites and plants in different parts of the country. They require any number of vendors to produce and transport natural gas. Local vendors can supply support to plant operations in their areas.

I recommend: El Paso is an independent producer of natural gas with plants and facilities in several countries. Northstar Energy is conducting drilling operations in Texas and Louisiana.

Compare business opportunities with natural gas production facilities

Natural gas production facilities are also known as refineries. Most facilities refine more than one product. Natural gas production facilities require state and local regulation.

I recommend: GE Oil and Gas is huge. It digs, refines, treats and transports natural gas and oil. Syntroleum has refineries and treatment facilities for natural gas usage throughout the US and Mexico.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Investors in natural gas production may not be seeing big returns right now. Companies are investing money in research and development, building plants and drilling. Once these are in place, investors should be seeing good returns.