About | SPE Workshop: Marginal and Mature Field Development and Operation

As we are navigating the multi-faceted response around the globe on energy transition, it’s crucial to recognise the significance of mature fields in the current energy landscape.

These existing fields play a vital role in avoiding an energy drought and facilitating a smooth transition to net zero. By safely maximising value creation from mature and marginal fields across Asia Pacific, we ensure resource assurance during this transformative trend. Moreover, these fields can serve as a catalyst for collaboration among countries and companies within the Asia Pacific region.

The upcoming workshop will delve into the various views on marginal field development and operation, with a thematic focus on integrating strategies from mature field management to ensure sustainable energy production throughout the asset lifecycle. This unique gathering of industry experts will explore innovative approaches, best practices, and emerging technologies tailored to maximise the potential of marginal fields while addressing the challenges inherent in their late-life phases.

The workshop will commence with an in-depth examination of mature field development strategies, drawing parallels to the optimisation techniques applicable to marginal fields. Participants will gain insights into reservoir characterisation methodologies, enhanced oil recovery techniques, cost-effective drilling solutions and fit-for-value facilities concepts tailored to marginal environments. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will uncover synergies between mature and marginal field development, unlocking new pathways for maximising asset value.

Transitioning into the operational phase, the workshop will explore how lessons learnt from mature field operations can be applied to enhance the reliability, efficiency, sustainability and production of marginal field assets. Topics will include asset integrity management, predictive maintenance strategies, and digitalisation initiatives aimed at optimising production while minimising environmental impact. Additionally, participants will explore innovative approaches to infrastructure utilisation, including shared facilities and modular design concepts, to improve operational efficiency and reduce lifecycle costs.

As the fields approach their late-life stages, proactive planning becomes essential to enhance life extension and optimise asset retirement costs. The workshop will also feature discussions on abandonment planning, repurposing infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks governing late-life operations. Moreover, participants will examine the socioeconomic implications of marginal field closure and explore opportunities for asset reuse, such as carbon capture and storage or renewable energy integration.

This workshop targets key executives and decision makers in technical and commercial development for our industry to continue to remain resilient through the energy transition through the following value levers:

Grow:
- Through focussing on extracting value from existing assets and near field exploration through the application of technology.
Lead:
- Innovation in GHG reduction technology and optimisation in cost could enable mature and marginal fields to lead decarbonising solutions.
- Creativity and innovation in fit-for-purpose technology to improve recovery factors to extend the life of marginal field development.
- Empowerment and increased trust between host authority and companies through fit-for-purpose regulatory requirements and procurement processes that promote agility in decision-making and cost/value optimisation.
Collaborate:
- More holistic integration of the value chain will enable improved efficiency and lower cost through improved commercial models (such as outcome-based) or new partnerships.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusiveness to be promoted. This includes hiring, key management representation of companies, and incentivisation by host authorities.
Care:
- Marginal and mature fields could emerge as CO2 storage clusters, providing an opportunity to pivot and generate an additional revenue stream to support decarbonisation.
- Sustainable solutions in new marginal field construction and decommissioning.

COUNTDOWN TO THE EVENT!

ATTENDING THIS WORKSHOP SUPPORTS THE E&P INDUSTRY

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit organisation. Income from this event will be invested back into SPE to support many other Society programmes.

When you attend an SPE event, you help provide even more opportunities for industry professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence. Scholarships, certification, the Distinguished Lecturer program, and SPE’s energy education programme Energy4me® are just a few examples of programmes supported by SPE.