Improving Methods for Evaluating Oil and Gas Exploration Efficiency in Northern Territories

Abstract

The article presents the results of a scientific study that investigates the methodological approach to assessing the efficiency of geological exploration for hard-to-recover (HTR) hydrocarbon reserves. The traditional system of indicators for evaluating the geological and economic efficiency of exploration does not fully utilize the geological and geophysical data accumulated and processed as a result of studying HTR reserves. Consequently, the costs incurred by the operator rarely bring the expected positive effect. Using a system of additional indicators for evaluating exploration efficiency will increase the value of geological data, which in turn will positively impact the efficiency of the development and exploitation of HTR reserves. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the proposed system of additional indicators for evaluating the geological and economic efficiency of exploration. This system factors in the specific features of HTR reserves located within the northern territories of Russia. It is recommended for use when assessing the geological and economic efficiency of greenfield exploration projects, as it will allow for the adjustment of the estimated reserve volumes at various project stages. Since the proportion of proven oil reserves belonging to the HTR category is high (about 65 %), exploration activities aimed at reserves maturation in the short- and medium-term will play an important role in the country’s oil industry. The reduction in state funding for exploration is another factor that contributes to the search for new organizational forms and methods of exploration, especially at sites requiring more profound and detailed geological surveys, such as proven and forecast HTR reserves.

The Application of Green Seismic Survey Technology in Forested Areas and Its Ecological and Economic Effectiveness: Methodology and Practice of Application

“…The application of the proposed methodological tools is carried out using the example of a comparative assessment of the use of traditional seismic technology and the resourcesaving green seismic technology on a subsoil site located in the forested territory of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug (KhMAO)-Yugra. The assessment of geological exploration work was carried out in accordance with the «post facto» and «greenfield» approach set out in [35] and in accordance with the algorithm proposed in this article. We intended to conduct 3D seismic research for hydrocarbon raw materials in the region of the subsurface site under consideration utilizing two methods: classic areal seismic exploration and a resource-saving technology known as green seismic technology.…”