A significant investment of $80 million is being made to enhance oil extraction methods from “tight rocks” in Wyoming, with $40 million funded by ThermoFisher Scientific and a matching $40 million from the Wyoming Legislature.
This initiative seeks to unlock additional oil reserves, as current extraction methods typically leave between 85% and 95% of the resource trapped underground. Achieving even a 1% increase in recovery from these formations could yield billions of dollars for the oil and gas sector.
The funding will support the Center of Innovation for Flow Through Porous Media, led by Dr. Mohammed Piri at the University of Wyoming’s High Bay Research Facility. According to Piri, the funds will be used to recruit new scientists and acquire advanced instruments and software to leverage artificial intelligence on large data sets from Wyoming and other oil-rich areas.
The goal of this research is to better understand how oil is trapped within these hard rock formations and to develop methods for mobilizing it. Piri emphasized the immense potential of these resources, stating that even a slight improvement in recovery rates could significantly benefit both Wyoming and the broader US economy.
Tight oil formations, such as those in the Powder River Basin, were once thought to be impervious to extraction, but advances in drilling techniques have revealed that they contain numerous small pores that can hold vast amounts of oil and gas. However, the extraction process remains challenging, requiring horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to access and extract the oil.
One of the significant obstacles in improving extraction techniques is the difficulty in observing what occurs underground during drilling. Dr. Piri’s work involves using electron microscopy to analyze rock and fluid samples under simulated well conditions, allowing for a three-dimensional understanding of fluid movement and behavior within these formations.
This research could not only enhance oil recovery but also provide insights into carbon dioxide storage and hydrogen storage for clean energy initiatives. Wyoming has been a pioneer in carbon sequestration, and this work may further establish the state as a leader in underground carbon storage solutions.
ThermoFisher Scientific has recognized the innovative research being conducted at the University of Wyoming, viewing it as a valuable opportunity for collaboration. The techniques being developed may extend beyond the oil and gas industry, benefiting various sectors, including green energy initiatives.
Cowboy State Daily contributed to this report.
