The Marcellus and Utica shale plays will experience extensive growth in coming years as production ramps up, says a leading analyst.

Right now, there are about 25 rigs running in the Utica, with more than 400 outstanding permits. More than 200 wells have been drilled in the region. Manuj Nikhanj, managing director and head of energy research with ITG Investment Research (ITG), said he expects rig count to increase to about 75 in less than two decades.

 “By 2025, assuming this play continues to perform, it could reach over 1 ...