Use of global analogues to improve decision quality in exploration, development, and production

Abstract

Global analogues are widely used across the exploration and production (E&P) life cycle. Analogues, used in conjunction with primary data, expand the knowledge of both the individual and team and develop insights that are not possible from using either local data or individual experience in isolation. Difficulties in the application of analogues arise when the analogues are not selected consistently, are too specific, or are in conflict with empirical local data. Most of these difficulties arise from the lack of a proper definition of analogues, absence of a systematic method of analogue selection, and poorly defined objectives for the use of analogues. Analogues are herein defined as comparable fields and reservoirs relevant to a specific question or set of questions. To select appropriate analogues, practitioners should focus on specific individual question(s) instead of “look-alike” fields. A consistent global field and reservoir knowledge base with standardized and classified geological and engineering parameters form the basis for analogue selection and analysis. The ability to standardize knowledge on practitioners’ own E&P assets and conduct benchmark comparisons against applicable global analogues is critical to the identification of potential problems, mitigation strategies, and best practices. Appropriate application of global analogues to a local situation not only fosters creative thinking but also provides a way to quickly learn, increase confidence, and efficiently reduce risk for E&P decision-making.