Energy Security in the Los Angeles Basin: A New Look at an Old Treasure

摘要

As the home of oilfields with the highest production per acre of any oil Basin in the world, California’s daily oil demand continues to exceed its daily production. This energy security issue requires smart thinking to enhance onshore production, while protecting the sensitive California environment. Motivated by U.S. Geological Surveys (USGS) study on the potential of LA Basin, we analyzed four abandoned fields as analogs to obtain more refined estimate of proven undeveloped (PUD). A Los Angeles Basin study was conducted on selected major fields and some abandoned fields by examining the existing data sources. We conducted an uncertainty analysis of each parameter and developed a basin wide cross-correlation approach where sparse data from analog formations could fill the gap and provide the critical information needed for the estimated recoveries. Based solely on publicly available data, we were able to develop a preliminary estimate of PUD remaining reserves for each field. The study provided several key observations. First, there is a need for handling diverse data sources to evaluate the re-development potential of a given field using advances in data integration and data mining. Second, there is a need for integrating formats ranging from old handwritten to digitized documents. Third, the use of performance data from analog geologic formation is required in estimating potential undeveloped reserves. We believe the combination of diverse data sets (including data such as completion histories on individual wells, subsurface geology from old and new logs and core data from various sources and warehouses, production histories and work-over data) and modern informatics technology can lead to identification of redevelopment opportunities in LA Basin. The USC Energy Institute, with the support of the petroleum industry, is intent on examining these possibilities.