Definition
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) refers to advanced techniques used to extract additional crude oil from reservoirs beyond what is recoverable through primary (natural pressure) and secondary (water or gas injection) methods. EOR methods include thermal recovery (steam injection), chemical injection (polymers, surfactants), miscible gas injection (CO2 flooding), and more recently, solar-powered steam generation. EOR can increase total recovery from a reservoir from roughly 30 to 40 percent to 60 percent or more.
Context in Oman
Oman is a global leader in EOR deployment, driven by the maturity of many of its oil fields and the challenging geology of its heavy and viscous oil reservoirs. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) operates some of the world’s largest EOR projects, including the Amal and Marmul steam flood projects and the Marmul polymer flood. The Miraah solar energy project at Amal is one of the world’s largest solar thermal facilities, generating steam for EOR using concentrated solar power. These techniques are essential for maintaining Oman oil production plateau of roughly one million barrels per day, as many fields would otherwise face steep natural decline.
Key Data Points
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Oman oil production (2023) | ~1.05 million bpd |
| EOR contribution to production | ~15-20 % |
| Major EOR fields | Amal, Marmul, Nimr |
| EOR methods used | Steam, polymer, solar thermal |
| Miraah solar thermal capacity | 1 GW thermal |
Vision 2040 Connection
While Vision 2040 emphasises diversification away from oil, sustaining hydrocarbon production in the near term is essential for funding the transition. EOR technologies help maintain revenue streams while reducing the carbon intensity of extraction through innovations like solar-powered steam generation. The strategy supports continued R&D in EOR as part of responsible resource management.
Further Reading
- [[Oman Oil Production Explained]]
- [[What is Carbon Neutrality]]
- [[What is Non-Oil GDP]]