Oil and gas major Statoil has opened a new research centre for improved oil recovery (IOR) at Rotvoll in Trondheim, Norway.
The $39million IOR centre at Rotvoll will be the largest of its kind in Norway and will focus on improved recovery from all types of reservoirs on the NCS, as well as Statoil’s international fields.
It includes a 2D and 3D scanner allowing to determine which IOR method is best suited in each reservoir, by identifying its formation with regard to clay, pore size and cracks.
“Our next goal is the oil which is difficult to extract. We have a steep learning curve ahead of us, which will be tougher for every percentage point we achieve, but these volumes are of high value to use,” said Helge Lund, Statoil’s chief executive.
“A dedicated IOR lab gives Statoil a unique opportunity to solve future IOR challenges.”
The company considers the move a “milestone” in reaching its target of 60% recovery rate from the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS).
The increase from the current recovery rate of 50% represents around 4billion barrels, or equivalent to Statfjord (3.75billion barrels), Dagny (170million barrels) and Gudrun (70million barrels) combined.
While an increase of one percent equals a $49million increase in the income from the NCS, according to the mayor of Trondheim Rita Ottervik, who officially opened the centre.