Chevron is exploring a promising new method to unlock more oil from Kuwait’s reservoirs—by injecting polymers into the ground. This chemical-based technology, known as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), has the potential to significantly increase oil production in mature fields, helping Kuwait tap into reserves that were previously too difficult or expensive to extract.
Polymers, which are long-chained molecules, can be added to water that is injected into oil fields to push out more oil. By thickening the water and changing its flow properties, polymers help improve the sweep efficiency underground. This can result in much higher oil recovery compared to traditional methods.
Chevron’s latest trials in Kuwait are being conducted in collaboration with the Kuwait Gulf Oil Company. The company believes this approach could unlock billions of barrels in reserves if the technology performs as expected.
What Is Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)?
EOR is a set of advanced techniques used to get more oil from a reservoir than conventional drilling methods can extract. In many oil fields, traditional recovery methods leave behind as much as 60–70% of the oil underground. EOR aims to access this untapped potential.
There are several types of EOR:
- Thermal Recovery: This involves injecting steam into the reservoir to reduce the viscosity of the oil. By heating it up, the oil becomes thinner and easier to pump out.
- Gas Injection: Gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen are pumped into the ground. These gases expand and push the oil toward production wells.
- Chemical Injection: This is where polymers come in. Chemicals are used to change the behavior of water or gas injected into the reservoir, helping it reach more oil.
Chemical EOR using polymers is gaining attention because it combines high effectiveness with potentially lower environmental impact. Chevron is now investing in these solutions to stay ahead in the evolving energy landscape.
Why Kuwait?
Kuwait is home to some of the world’s largest oil fields. However, many of them are mature, meaning much of the easily accessible oil has already been extracted. The remaining oil is harder to reach and often trapped in complex geological formations.
This is where EOR comes into play. Traditional water flooding—injecting water into the reservoir to push oil toward wells—can leave a lot of oil behind. That’s because water tends to flow through the easiest paths, forming channels and bypassing harder-to-reach oil pockets.
By adding polymers to the water, Chevron can increase the water’s thickness (or viscosity), allowing it to sweep through the reservoir more uniformly. Think of it as using a sponge to wipe up a spill rather than a paper towel—it grabs more liquid in a single pass.
This method not only increases oil output but does so more efficiently and with a smaller environmental footprint.
Chevron’s Trial in Kuwait
In 2023, Chevron and the Kuwait Gulf Oil Company conducted initial tests on polymer EOR in Kuwait. The results showed promise, encouraging the team to proceed with a broader multi-well test scheduled for late 2024.
Don Stelling, Senior Vice President of Operations at Saudi Arabian Chevron, expressed strong optimism about the project. According to him, if the models and field trials prove successful, the project could significantly increase oil production in the region.
What makes this effort unique is its focus on reducing carbon intensity. Previous recovery methods like steam injection require a large amount of energy and water. In contrast, polymer injection requires less water over the life of the project and is generally more environmentally friendly.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
One of the main advantages of polymer EOR is its lower carbon footprint. Steam injection, while effective, is energy-hungry and produces high emissions. On the other hand, polymer injection requires less energy, making it a greener option for oil companies focused on sustainability.
Moreover, polymer EOR can be implemented in oil fields where thermal recovery isn’t practical due to geological limitations or lack of water resources. This gives Chevron more flexibility and control when planning field development and long-term production strategies.
The process also allows for better water management. Because polymer flooding uses water more efficiently, there’s less need for large-scale water sourcing and treatment operations. This can reduce costs and logistical complications, especially in arid regions like the Middle East.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its potential, polymer EOR is not without challenges. One of the main technical issues is the degradation of polymers in high-temperature and high-salinity environments—common conditions in Middle Eastern oil fields. Chevron’s researchers are working on polymer formulations that can withstand these tough environments while maintaining performance.
Additionally, implementing chemical injection at a large scale requires careful planning. Operators must ensure that the polymers don’t clog the reservoir or damage equipment. They also need to monitor the long-term effects on oil quality and production rates.
Chevron’s experience and leadership in EOR technologies give the company a strong foundation to address these challenges. The company has already deployed chemical EOR in other parts of the world and is adapting those lessons to suit Kuwait’s conditions.
Strategic Importance
For Kuwait, the success of Chevron’s polymer EOR trials could mean more than just higher oil production. It could extend the lifespan of the country’s oil fields and increase revenue without needing to explore new and potentially costly fields.
For Chevron, this project showcases the company’s ability to lead in technological innovation while meeting environmental goals. It also strengthens its partnership with key players in the region, such as the Kuwait Gulf Oil Company.
As global demand for energy continues to rise, technologies that allow for cleaner and more efficient oil recovery will play a critical role. Chevron’s work in Kuwait could serve as a model for future EOR projects worldwide.
Looking Ahead
The results of the upcoming multi-well test in Kuwait will be closely watched by the energy industry. If successful, polymer EOR could become a standard part of oil recovery operations in the region and beyond.
Chevron’s investment in polymer technology reflects a broader industry shift toward smarter, cleaner, and more efficient extraction methods. With the right technology and partnerships, countries like Kuwait can continue to benefit from their natural resources for decades to come—while meeting global expectations for responsible energy production.
