Wyoming is placing a bold bet on advancing oil recovery and energy innovation through an $80 million investment that could redefine energy extraction and environmental stewardship.
In a strategic collaboration, ThermoFisher Scientific has invested $40 million into Wyoming’s energy sector, matched by an additional $40 million from the Wyoming Legislature. Together, they’re aiming to unlock vast oil reserves currently trapped in the challenging rock formations of the state’s Powder River Basin.
The effort is spearheaded by Dr. Mohammed Piri and his research team at the University of Wyoming’s Center of Innovation for Flow Through Porous Media. With traditional extraction methods only recovering between 5% to 15% of the oil in shale and sandstone, up to 95% remains untapped in microscopic rock pores. Even a 1% increase in extraction efficiency could yield billions for Wyoming’s economy, transforming the state into a leader in energy innovation.
This project extends beyond oil extraction, with broad implications for carbon and hydrogen storage. Wyoming’s unique geology makes it ideal not only for oil recovery but also for carbon sequestration, a crucial technology for reducing emissions. The same advanced methods being developed for oil recovery could help Wyoming capture and store carbon or even store hydrogen fuel, making the state a premier destination for green energy projects.
With input from Shortgo.
