Innovation Beneath the Surface: How Advanced Drilling Is Powering Wyoming’s Economy

In Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, the energy industry is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and redefining what it means to compete in a national marketplace. Operators are now drilling extended-reach lateral wells that stretch up to 3 miles horizontally underground, with plans underway for 4 mile wells. These cutting-edge techniques are transforming how oil and gas are extracted in the Cowboy State.

This isn’t just about distance. It’s about efficiency. Extended-reach drilling allows companies to extract more from a single site, reducing surface impact, slashing operational costs, and maximizing return on investment. Techniques like U-shaped and S-shaped laterals help producers stay within lease boundaries while dramatically increasing productivity, and with fewer well pads needed, it’s also a win for Wyoming’s open spaces.

WY It Matters

Wyoming doesn’t have the ease or scale of drilling found in states like Texas or North Dakota. To stay competitive, our operators must be smarter, faster, and more innovative—and they are. The latest drilling strategies aren’t just advancing technology; they’re preserving high-paying jobs, attracting investment, and fueling local economies across the state.

As national trends shift toward longer, more technically complex wells, Wyoming’s ability to lead, not lag, ensures we remain a serious player in the U.S. energy sector. Innovation in the field isn’t just good science, it’s good business.