Editorial comment

Adrienne Blume, Editor Large-scale production of shale gas in the US, which began around the turn of the century, is now feeding US exports in the form of LNG. The US is anticipated to become the world's third-largest exporter of natural gas by 2020. During that year, the country could send out as many as 8.3 Bcfd of gas, or approximately 14% of the global export volume. A significant portion of this supply will come from shale gas. The US is also proving itself a key gas exporter with its flexibility and attractive pricing. At the end of 2016, a tanker carrying LNG from the US to Asia was sharply rerouted to unload in Mexico. Importers are seeking more cargoes on short notice, for the bes