In 2023, Oklahoma's natural gas industry continued to be a significant force in the state's economy, contributing a substantial $57 billion. This hefty contribution firmly positions Oklahoma as a major natural gas and crude oil producer, not just locally but also in the U.S. Mid-Continent region, which spans across neighboring states like Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.

The year was marked by a notable expectation of growth in the natural gas supply within Oklahoma. Despite this anticipated increase, the U.S. Henry Hub natural gas prices in 2023 dropped to their lowest since mid-2020. Analysts attribute this trend to a blend of high production levels, consistent consumption rates, and an uptick in natural gas inventories.

In 2023, over 20 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas pipeline capacity was under construction, primarily to enhance LNG export terminals in Southeast Texas and Louisiana. Conversely, the Midship Pipeline in Oklahoma, extending over 200 miles, encountered issues like construction-related damages, affecting farmers in Canadian County and raising regulatory concerns.

Oklahoma map is part of Rextag's Energy DataLink, which provides online access to a wide range of GIS data on energy assets. Users can easily access information about various types of pipelines, such as US oil pipelines, US gas pipelines, crude oil pipelines, interstate natural gas pipelines, and their interconnections. The USA map database also covers upstream oil and gas data, energy business data, and energy maps.

Does Oklahoma Have a Lot of Natural Gas?
Oklahoma is indeed a major player in the natural gas industry in the United States. In 2022, the state ranked as the fifth-largest producer of marketed natural gas in the country. It accounted for 7% of the U.S. total natural gas production, with marketed production exceeding 2.7 trillion cubic feet. However, this figure was still below Oklahoma's all-time high production of 3 trillion cubic feet in 2019. The state is home to more than 6% of the nation's total proven natural gas reserves, ranking sixth nationally. In terms of gross withdrawals of natural gas, Oklahoma accounted for 6% of the nation's total in 2022.

Apart from conventional natural gas reserves, Oklahoma also has substantial reserves in shale formations (shale gas) and coalbeds (coalbed methane). In 2021, the state accounted for about 5% of the nation's proven shale gas reserves and was the seventh-largest shale gas producer. Shale well annual production in Oklahoma increased steadily between 2007 and 2019, peaking at nearly 1.5 trillion cubic feet, with a rebound in production after a decline in 2020.

Where Does Oklahoma Get Its Natural Gas?

Oklahoma, a major producer of natural gas and crude oil, obtains most of its natural gas from within the state. It's strategically located in the U.S. Mid-Continent oil region, which encompasses a larger area including parts of Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. This region is rich in natural gas and crude oil fields.

One of the most significant natural gas fields in Oklahoma is the Hugoton Gas Area. This field is not only the largest in Oklahoma but also one of the largest in the nation in terms of proven reserves. It extends over parts of the western Oklahoma panhandle, the Texas panhandle, and Kansas. The development of the Hugoton Gas Area was pivotal in the history of natural gas in the United States, particularly with the construction of a pipeline in 1931 that enabled long-distance transportation and marketing of natural gas from the area to Chicago. This pipeline was a key development in the establishment of the modern natural gas industry.

The state has a comprehensive network of interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines that facilitate gas distribution. The natural gas produced in the Hugoton field is notable for containing high concentrations of helium, which is separated and sent to the National Helium Reserve in Amarillo, Texas, for various scientific and industrial applications.

Economic Contributions

By 2020, the state's landscape was marked by a substantial number of wells contributing to this production: 40,360 gas-producing wells and 18,675 gas-producing oil wells.

In the economically challenging year of 2020, the natural gas industry was a significant contributor to Oklahoma's GDP, injecting $19 billion and increasing household earnings by $16.5 billion. This sector supported approximately 145,000 jobs and contributed $2.66 billion in business taxes.

In 2022, Oklahoma's natural gas production reached a significant milestone, with gross withdrawals totaling 2,764,019 million cubic feet. This output stemmed from sources: conventional gas wells, oil wells, alongside the more contemporary shale gas and coalbed wells.

Storage and Consumption

In 2022 total consumption of natural gas in Oklahoma amounted to 760,571 MMCF. Residential consumption spread across 978,091 households, peaked during the winter months. The state also boasts considerable storage capabilities, with a capacity of 372,655 MMCF.

Oklahoma's storage capacity typically exceeded its consumption, often producing three to four times more natural gas than it used. The electric power and industrial sectors were the primary consumers of this natural gas. Key production regions such as the STACK and SCOOP plays saw increased activity and infrastructure development.

The electric power sector accounted for 44% of the natural gas delivered to end-users, with the industrial sector consuming 36%. The residential sector, where more than half of the households use natural gas for heating, accounted for a significant portion of consumption.

Renewable Energy Initiatives and Infrastructure Upgrades

Alongside its traditional focus on fossil fuels, Oklahoma is also tapping into renewable energy resources, notably wind and solar power, reflecting a broader energy diversification strategy.

Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG), the state's central energy provider, focused on delivering safe, affordable, and reliable energy. The company focused heavily on reducing its impact on the environment. This included supporting The Nature Conservancy to help protect land, as well as launching various programs to improve energy efficiency.

ONG proposed a rate hike as part of its infrastructure upgrades, which would have increased the average residential customer's monthly bill. However, the introduction of a new tax credit provided some relief to customers, softening the financial impact of the rate hike and supporting a $15 million investment in infrastructure enhancement.

Cushing Oklahoma Map

As for natural gas usage in Cushing, as of October 2023, residential natural gas prices averaged $29.22 per thousand cubic feet, which was significantly higher – about 75% more – than the U.S. average for residential customers. The city's residents used an estimated 4 million cubic feet of natural gas that month alone. Cushing also serves around 2,040 residential natural gas customers. In contrast, the industrial natural gas prices in Cushing were more economical, averaging $2.66 per thousand cubic feet in October 2023, which is around 35.6% less than the national average for industrial customers.

Cushing, Oklahoma, is a linchpin in the United States' natural gas and oil pipeline network, often lauded as 'the Pipeline Capital of the World.' This title isn't just for show; it's a testament to the city's extensive network of pipelines and storage tanks. These energy structures in Oklahoma are really important for the industry. They create a lot of jobs and involve high-tech methods to move energy, keep oil reserves safe, and make sure pipelines and storage places are in good shape and working well.

One of the standout features of the Oklahoma Natural Gas Map is the Overland Pass Pipeline. This engineering marvel, operated by Oklahoma's own ONEOK and Williams, stretches 1,035 miles and can handle at least 245,000 barrels of natural gas liquids daily. It's a prime example of the kind of infrastructure that puts Cushing on the US map in the energy world.

We will go over the basics with an emphasis on the data needed to evaluate an Interactive map of pipelines in Oklahoma:

• Gathering - 71,539 miles
• Transmission - 14,674 miles
• Distribution - 2,042 miles

Oklahoma Gas Pipelines - Top Operators

Figure 1. Oklahoma Gas Pipelines Top Operators 2023 from Rextag Energy DataLink

Gas Plants - Operators By Capacity - Top 10

Figure 2. Oklahoma Gas Plants 2023 from Rextag Energy DataLink

Well Production By Owner

Figure 3. Oklahoma Well Production 2023 from Rextag Energy DataLink.

Production By Owner And Basin

Figure 4. Oklahoma Production by Owner and Basin 2023 from Rextag Energy DataLink.

Rextag Energy Datalink is a go-to resource for accessing GIS data related to the energy sector in Oklahoma. This includes a detailed Oklahoma pipeline map, extensive Oklahoma GIS data, and information on Oklahoma gas well maps. The platform offers a diverse array of data, from pipeline interconnections and storage assets to owner and operator data, making it an indispensable tool for anyone needing detailed insights into Oklahoma's energy infrastructure.

Recent Huge Deals on Oklahoma Natural Gas Map

• ONEOK Magellan Merger

In September 2023, one of the most significant developments in Oklahoma's pipeline industry was the acquisition of Magellan Midstream Partners by ONEOK Inc. The merger created a midstream giant with a combined enterprise value of around $60 billion. This $18.8 billion transaction is one of the largest U.S. midstream deals in recent years.

The acquisition significantly expands ONEOK's portfolio. Before the deal, ONEOK primarily dealt with natural gas pipelines, while Magellan Midstream Partners focused on crude oil transportation. The combined entity now covers both areas, adding fee-based refined products and crude oil transportation business to ONEOK's existing natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) infrastructure system.

• Mach Natural to Acquire Oklahoma Assets for $815MM

Mach Natural Resources LP made a significant acquisition in November 2023, agreeing to buy oil and gas properties and related assets located in Oklahoma from Paloma Partners IV, LLC, for $815 million. The acquisition included about 32,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/D) of production, proven developed producing (PDP) reserves of approximately 75 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe), and around 62,000 net acres in the Anadarko Basin.

• Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Southwestern Energy Merger

In January 2024, Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corporation merged with Houston's Southwestern Energy Company. This all-stock transaction was valued at $7.4 billion. Post-merger, Chesapeake Energy's shareholders were set to own approximately 60% of the merged company, while Southwestern Energy's shareholders would hold the remaining 40%.

What is the Largest Natural Gas Company in Oklahoma?

Chesapeake Energy Corporation, based in Oklahoma City, and Southwestern Energy, a Texas-based company, have merged to create one of the largest natural gas companies in the United States. The merger, valued at $7.4 billion, represents a significant consolidation in the natural gas industry. Following this merger, the new company is positioned to be a major player in the natural gas sector, with the headquarters remaining in Oklahoma City and a continued presence in the Houston area. This merger is a key development in the natural gas industry, particularly in the context of Oklahoma's significant role in natural gas production​​.

Additionally, ONE Gas Inc., headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is another major entity in the natural gas sector. It's one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States, providing energy to more than 2.3 million customers across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. In 2023, ONE Gas expected a net income in the range of $224 million to $238 million. The company's operations include significant investments in system integrity and replacement projects, highlighting its role in maintaining and expanding natural gas infrastructure in the region​​.

Oklahoma Pipeline Companies: TOP 5

• Superior Midstream

This company operates in various geographic areas, including the Texas/Oklahoma panhandle, Central/Western Oklahoma, Southeastern Oklahoma, Southeast Texas, Kansas, and Appalachia. Superior Midstream owns and operates a comprehensive network of natural gas gathering and processing facilities, treating plants, and over 3,700 miles of pipeline. Their operations include a range of facilities like the Bellmon and Cashion gathering and processing facilities in Oklahoma, the Hemphill plant in the Texas Panhandle, and the Minco gathering and processing facility, among others.

• ONE Gas Oklahoma

This is another prominent pipeline project in Oklahoma, operated by Oklahoma Natural Gas. The pipeline spans 1,126 kilometers and has a maximum diameter of 24 inches. The project, which began operations in 1940, is significant in the state's energy infrastructure, owned by ONE Gas.

• Plains All America/Phillips 66 Joint Venture

The project is focused on providing more efficient transport of crude to refinery facilities. It includes the expansion of the STACK pipeline from Cashion to Cushing and aims to expand the pipeline capacity to a significant level if there is sufficient demand.

• EnLink Midstream Partners

They are involved in gas gathering, compression, and processing, with future operations including crude/condensate gathering and storage. EnLink is also known for its Oklahoma Express project, which is a multi-phase pipeline development.

• SemGroup

Based in Tulsa, SemGroup is involved in projects like the Canton and Glass Mountain expansions. The Canton Pipeline connects the company's natural gas processing complex in northern Oklahoma to the STACK play, with the potential for significant transport capacity. The Glass Mountain Pipeline extension aims to move STACK oil to the Cushing storage hub.

What Key Pipeline Runs Through Oklahoma?

ONEOK, a key player in Oklahoma's natural gas sector, owns a significant portion of the state's pipeline infrastructure:

• 1,500 miles of FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipelines with 3.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of peak transportation capacity.
• 5,100 miles of state-regulated intrastate transmission pipelines with a peak transportation capacity of 4.3 Bcf/d.

The Hugoton–to–Chicago pipeline stands as a significant development in the state's natural gas market dynamics. This infrastructure achievement has enabled Oklahoma to market its natural gas across greater distances, thereby expanding its commercial reach.

Where is the Longest Pipeline in the US?

One of the longest pipelines passing through Oklahoma is the Keystone Pipeline. This pipeline, which is the second longest in the U.S., stretches 1,853 miles and carries oil from Canada directly to Cushing, Oklahoma, before being transported to the Gulf Coast refineries. Additionally, the Overland Pass Pipeline, operated by ONEOK and Williams, is notable as it is considered the 5th longest in the U.S., extending for 1,035 miles with a capacity of at least 245,000 barrels of natural gas liquids a day. These Oklahoma pipelines are integral to the movement of energy resources across the country.

An interactive map of pipelines in the United States includes features such as color-coded and labeled natural gas pipelines, proposed pipelines, gathering and distribution pipelines, gas processing plants (with major plants labeled with names and capacities), gas storage facilities, and compressor stations. The US Natural Gas map and map of Oklahoma offer a comprehensive view of the natural gas infrastructure, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the energy sector.

How Do I Find Pipeline Maps?

To find pipeline maps, especially detailed ones like the Oklahoma Natural Gas Infrastructure Wall Map offered by Hart Energy, you can look for specialized providers of geographic information system (GIS) infrastructure data. These maps offer a comprehensive view of the natural gas infrastructure, including pipelines, processing plants, storage facilities, and compressor stations.

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Infrastructure Wall Map by Hart Energy is a detailed resource featuring:

• Natural Gas Pipelines, color-coded and labeled for clarity.
• Proposed Pipelines, to view future infrastructure plans.
• Gathering and Distribution Pipelines, showcasing the broader network.
• Gas Processing Plants, with major plants labeled by name and capacity.
• Gas Storage Facilities, selected facilities labeled with name and capacity.
• Compressor Stations, essential for the transportation of natural gas.

These maps are typically printed on matte paper and are designed for easy reading and reference. They provide a valuable tool for professionals in the energy sector, researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the infrastructure of natural gas in Oklahoma. To access such maps, you can visit Hart Energy's website or contact them directly.