Technology Focus: Unconventional Resources (July 2010)

Abstract

Technology Focus “Unconventionals” is a very trendy word indeed. But what is so unconventional about unconventional oil and gas resources? Heavy-oil exploitation is widely commercialized; whether by mining of the oil sands and oil shales or by in-situ steaming or combusting processes that bring extra-heavy oil to the surface. Yet we say that such oil is unconventional. Research and pilot operations continue in an effort to increase recovery and decrease costs. When “cheap and easy oil” becomes scarce, should we then refer to these recovery techniques as “advanced,” “complex,” or “difficult” recovery rather than the exploitation of “unconventional” oil? The same could be said for shale gas. A few years ago, such gas was said to be unconventional. However, continued research and recent exploitation with multifracs from horizontal wells have led us to think differently. Already, shale gas appears to be more conventional than coalbed methane. With the ever-increasing need for natural gas as a clean fuel, the importance of producing more gas is growing. Not all “unconventional” gas is equal: Each type is at a different stage of exploitation. While waiting to find out about the effect of renewable energies on our society, gas remains the leading fuel of choice, whether it is natural or a product of gasification of coal or biomass. So, where do we look next? Previous centuries all favored a particular source of energy: The 19th century focused on coal because it had no other alternative, and the 20th century was mainly oil-centered. In the 21st century, we must turn wisely to the resources we have. There is no doubt that we will have to use a diversity of energy sources adapted to our needs: oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable energies will all find their share. I expect that our energy industry will expand unconventional-resources development and at the same time advance the growth of nonrenewable sources of energy. This action will guide our strategies for future energy needs. Let us prepare for the future. Unconventional Resources additional reading available at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org SPE 125525 • “The Geomechanics of a Shale Play: What Makes a Shale Prospective!” by Larry K. Britt, Britt Rock Mechanics Laboratory, et al. SPE 129085 • “A Thermal Gas-Production System From Methane-Hydrate Layers by Hot-Water Injection” by K. Sasaki, SPE, Kyushu University, et al. SPE 125419 • “Successful Strategies for Dewatering Wells Using ESPs” by Lonnie Bassett, Borets-Weatherford OTC 20644 • “Ocean Thermal-Energy Conversion: Strategies for System Integration and Implementation Using Commercially Available Components and Technology” by J.A. Marti, Offshore Infrastructure Associates, et al.