The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released the 2026 National Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources, offering a detailed evaluation of U.S. undiscovered offshore reserves located outside known oil and gas fields on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. Published every five years, the National Assessment reflects BOEM’s latest understanding of the distribution and scale of undiscovered oil and natural gas resources across the offshore region. The report is intended to support the identification of new opportunities for exploration and development while contributing to economic growth and long-term energy security. By analyzing the potential of U.S. undiscovered offshore reserves, the assessment provides policymakers and industry stakeholders with an updated picture of offshore resource potential.
Using a play-based assessment methodology, the 2026 National Assessment estimates a mean Undiscovered Technically Recoverable Resource of 65.80 billion barrels of oil and 218.43 trillion cubic feet of natural gas across the Outer Continental Shelf. These estimates highlight the significant scale of U.S. undiscovered offshore reserves, offering a perspective on the long-term energy potential of the region. According to the report, current production trends indicate that these undiscovered resources could support 100 or more years of energy production from the shelf. Such capacity underscores the strategic importance of offshore resources in helping meet future demand while supporting employment opportunities and maintaining stable energy supplies.
“The Outer Continental Shelf holds tremendous resource potential,” said BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona. The methodology behind the assessment involves analyzing each geologic play across the Outer Continental Shelf and assigning probabilities regarding the presence of undiscovered oil and gas resources within individual plays. Results from these analyses are subsequently aggregated to generate regional estimates, which are then combined to form an overall estimate for the entire Outer Continental Shelf. Through this process, the assessment provides a structured evaluation of U.S. undiscovered offshore reserves, offering insight into where resources may be located and how significant those deposits could be.
The 2026 National Assessment represents a comprehensive evaluation based on detailed scientific analysis and the best available data and information. It builds upon earlier Outer Continental Shelf resource assessments and forms part of a continuing effort to refine the understanding of offshore energy potential. As a result, the report serves as a key analytical resource for guiding decisions related to offshore exploration and development. By delivering updated data and insights into U.S. undiscovered offshore reserves, the assessment is positioned as an important reference for shaping the nation’s long-term energy strategy and maintaining the United States’ role as a major global energy producer.
