Extending Bakken oil production with innovative recovery techniques
The Bakken Formation in North Dakota has been a critical oil-producing region since 2007, thanks to advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. However, as production declines, researchers at the University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) are exploring enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to extend the life of existing wells.
The Bakken’s tight rock layers trap oil in tiny pore spaces, making it difficult to extract. EOR methods, such as injecting CO₂ or produced gas, can help mobilize this oil by reducing its viscosity and increasing pressure. Early field tests using produced gas have shown a 24% increase in oil production in some wells, recovering an estimated 4,000-5,000 additional barrels per drilling area.
While produced gas is a viable short-term solution, large-scale EOR will require significant CO₂ supplies and infrastructure. The EERC’s Crack the Code 2.0 project is laying the groundwork for this transition by validating EOR performance and addressing technical and operational challenges. This could lead to an additional 5-7 billion barrels of oil and billions in tax revenue for the state.
The Bakken’s next transformation hinges on these EOR advancements, which could keep existing wells productive for years to come.