Shale: Technology Trends By GlobalData Thematic Research 12 May 2021 (Last Updated May 12th, 2021 11:23) Upstream shale operations have blossomed due to technological advances in the hydraulic fracking and horizontal drilling methods. Credits: Aleksei Zakirov/Shutterstock.com. Share Article There have been consistent improvements in upstream shale operations techniques and materials used for well completion and production. The use of infill drilling to increase production from a well cluster has also helped the industry growth. Technology Trends Drilling and completion technology improvements driving cost reduction The improvements in the drilling and completion technology pertaining the shale operations has increased the safe depth for drilling. Recently technologies such as real-time fluid tracking has helped improve the drilling operations. Some of the prominent completion technologies used include plug-and-perf, sliding sleeves and intelligent well completion designs, e.g. interval control valves (ICV).