OREANDA-NEWS. In 2014, EOG's drilling activity in North Dakota was directed to two key areas, the Bakken Core and the Antelope Extension. The focus this past year has been to drive down drilling costs and further advance completions to improve well performance and allow for additional downspacing.

In the fourth quarter, EOG completed a six-well pattern in the Bakken Core area spaced at 700 feet between wells which delivered a combined initial production rate of 9,450 Bopd and 5 MMcfd of rich natural gas. Initial results from these completion and downspacing pilots are very encouraging, and additional pilots and testing in 2015 are designed to uncover the best long-term development plan for this crude oil growth play.   

Also in 2014, EOG stepped out from the Bakken to test the Three Forks formation, particularly in the Antelope Extension, with some notable well results. Due to the low-price crude oil environment, additional development of this high-potential target will be put on hold.

Capital allocated to the Bakken will decrease significantly in 2015. EOG expects to complete about 25 net wells compared to 59 in 2014.