Arne Skauge 

University of Bergen

Maximizing oil recovery under energy transition

CO2 emission into atmosphere should be limited to keep the global temperature rise below 2°C. Some companies push hard and fast to decarbonize energy and move into new and renewable sources, others are focusing on cleaner, more efficient hydrocarbons. What is the right strategy?

There is a clear and obvious request for an energy transition, but the energy transition is not about giving up on oil and gas overnight. It is about accelerating decarbonization of remaining oil and gas and about becoming more diverse. All energy resources are needed for a growing world population, but a stronger focus must be on developing economic renewable energy as much and as fast as possible.

The strategy for the industry should lead in two main directions. First, focus on cleaner more efficient hydrocarbons. Secondly, to decarbonize energy and move into economic new and renewable energy sources. Research in both these directions are needed for a sustainable future development.

Oil fields with large water cuts emit significant amount of CO2. Mature fields can be produced cleaner, with change of electricity source (overall footprint can also be reduced) and by reducing water cut (intensity is reduced). For water cut above 90%, unit energy consumed for oil production sharply increases. Polymer injection into reservoirs with high water cut can be a solution for two major challenges of the transition period: meet the global energy demand via increase in oil recovery and reduce the CO2 footprint of oil production (more and cleaner oil). Improving the utilization factor or efficiency of the injectant is a key for reducing CO2 intensity of hydrocarbon production.