An oil recovery technology developed in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has demonstrated a significant breakthrough for mature oilfields, with a pilot project in East Texas achieving a 100% increase in production.
Hunting PLC‘s Organic Oil Recovery (OOR) solution, deployed at Buccaneer Energy’s Pine Mills field, has shown the potential to revitalise declining assets globally.
Announcements from Hunting PLC and Buccaneer Energy detailed the impressive results. The OOR solution facilitated a doubling of output at the Pine Mills field, an asset operated by the London-based exploration and production company, Buccaneer Energy. Furthermore, a remarkable reduction in water cut was observed in one treated well, plummeting from 80% to zero.
Jim Johnson, Chief Executive of Hunting, commented on the success, stating: “This well result supports our confidence in the OOR technology, as a lower cost enhanced oil recovery solution which can be utilised in many oil wells globally.”
The OOR process, developed in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, represents an advancement in Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR). It operates by injecting a nutrient mixture into the reservoir to stimulate the growth of naturally occurring microorganisms. These microbes then “alter their surface properties from hydrophilic (attracted to water) to hydrophobic (repelled by water),” effectively reducing interfacial tension and improving the mobility of residual oil trapped within mature waterflood systems. This innovative approach has previously demonstrated an average production increase of 92% across over 300 wells and offers additional benefits such as lowering hydrogen sulphide levels.
For Buccaneer Energy, which acquired the Pine Mills field in November 2016, these results are particularly encouraging. The field, discovered in 1949, is a classic mature asset where “easier oil” has already been extracted. Paul Welch, Chief Executive of Buccaneer Energy, highlighted the impact: “We are very encouraged by the success of the pilot project where average production from the area treated increased 100% to 30 bopd. The initial results significantly exceeded our expectations.”
The global Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) market, valued at approximately USD 98.08 billion in 2024 and projected to grow, plays a critical role as conventional oil reserves deplete. EOR techniques are vital for extracting additional hydrocarbons from existing reservoirs, with North America being a dominant market. MEOR, in particular, stands out for its cost-effectiveness, reduced energy consumption, and environmental advantages over traditional thermal or chemical EOR methods. Hunting PLC acquired the OOR technology for $17.5 million, securing global rights and integrating it into their TEK-HUB initiative, aimed at bringing innovative technologies to market.
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“The process is well-suited to mature waterfloods, like Pine Mills, where the ‘easier oil’ has been produced and a large amount of residual oil remains in place. Efficiently dislodging this residual oil has a significant impact on production rates,” Welch added.
He further emphasised the economic viability, noting: “Most importantly, the cost of this treatment is modest and comparable to a routine workover, meaning it can be applied without a material capital investment.”
This low capital expenditure requirement positions OOR as an attractive solution for extending the economic life of numerous oil wells worldwide.
