Onshore Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development

This book explores the evolution of unconventional hydrocarbon technologies and their environmental impacts, focusing on shale oil and gas developments in the U.S. Onshore Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development provides insights into managing these challenges.

The book Onshore Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development delves into the evolution of oil and gas well completion and stimulation technologies that have emerged over the last few decades, particularly in relation to unconventional hydrocarbon resources in the United States. It highlights the significant advancements made since 2005, which have enabled the extraction of shale oil and shale gas. These unconventional resources, often trapped within low-permeability rock formations, require innovative technologies for extraction, as traditional methods are ineffective. The resulting increase in domestic production has played a crucial role in reducing crude oil imports and transforming the U.S. into a net natural gas exporter.

However, the rapid expansion of the infrastructure necessary for these developments has raised public concerns regarding environmental impacts. The book addresses these issues by summarizing discussions from a workshop conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Roundtable on Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development. The workshop aimed to explore the lifecycle of unconventional hydrocarbon fields, emphasizing the importance of managing environmental risks associated with their development.

Throughout its chapters, Onshore Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development examines various aspects of the industry, including infrastructure inventories, environmental restoration, and the intersection of technology and regulation. It serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities of unconventional hydrocarbon development and the strategies that can be employed to minimize environmental impacts while maximizing economic benefits.