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Finding new and unconventional resources
With easy oil (easy to reach and recover), unlikely to supply our growing energy needs, keeping up with demand is becoming more difficult. However, around three trillion barrels of so-called "unconventional oil" still remain but are trapped such as in oil shale, oil sands or as very heavy oil. Other resources are situated in frontier locations such as the Arctic or deep, deep in the ocean. But as the world's energy needs rise, so does the ingenuity of scientists and engineers to develop and implement new techniques and technologies that will access these vast, but difficult resources.
Oil sands
Though oil-sands may lie on the surface ready to be scooped up, converting this unusual resource into a valuable product is not nearly as low tech.
In situ Processes
Heavy oil and bitumen fall into the ‘difficult’ hydrocarbon category - very thick and very heavy - making it difficult to extract. Technology is now providing opportunities to unlock the world’s vast remaining resources.
Exploration
If you want oil and gas you have to find it – technologies that combine with geologic knowledge are key to discovering where it lies.
Contaminated gas
Around a third of the world’s gas fields are highly contaminated, but technologies such as ADIP, Sulfinol, and SCOT are helping us access these fields.
Frontiers
Meeting the increasing need for energy is taking us in to frontier areas - such as deep in the ocean or to the frozen Arctic - each one prompting new technology developments.
