Noble Energy, Consol Energy end Marcellus Shale partnership

Noble Energy and Consol Energy have had a joint agreement for exploration and production of 669,000 acres in Pennsylvania and West Virginia since 2011. (File photo) Noble Energy and Consol Energy have had a joint agreement for exploration and production of 669,000 acres in Pennsylvania and West Virginia since 2011. (File photo) Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Noble Energy, Consol Energy end Marcellus Shale partnership 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Noble Energy and Pittsburgh-based Consol Energy on Monday said they have ended their shale exploration partnership in the Marcellus drilling region.

Houston-based Noble and Consol in 2011 forged an agreement for joint exploration and development of 669,000 acres across Pennsylvania and West Virginia, producing 1.07 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas equivalent, according to a joint statement from the companies.

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Noble now will have 363,000 acres, producing about 450 million cubic feet per day of natural gas equivalent. Consol has 306,000 acres producing 620 million cubic feet per day.

In a statement, Noble President and CEO David Stover said that the relationship with Consol was "outstanding," but that separation is a good move for both companies.

"It provides us with greater control and flexibility over the future pace of development in the Marcellus," Stover said in a statement.

As a result of the separation, both companies will own their own properties in the region, each will be able to pursue future developments and both companies will continue to ship their products through Cone Midstream Partners. Noble also will pay Consol $205 million upon closing.