Unconventional resource development

Energy and environment

Learn about the resources, technology and processes involved in unconventional resource development.

What are unconventional resources?

In unconventional oil and natural gas development, the oil and gas is found in low permeability reservoirs.

Learn more

Technology and process

Phases of natural gas production

Before any wells are drilled, extensive surveillance is done to study the locations of the underground natural gas reservoir and the nature of the local topography, so as to ensure minimal impact of operations on the local community.

Unconventional resources Article

Horizontal drilling

In conventional oil and gas development, vertical drilling is used to produce these resources.

Unconventional resources Article

Well construction and integrity

A properly designed and constructed oil and gas well is essential to protecting the water table and ensuring successful production.

Unconventional resources Article

Water

The water used in unconventional resource development and hydraulic fracturing typically comes from surface or groundwater sources.

Unconventional resources Article

Equipment

Natural gas extraction and production requires a mix of resources and equipment. The geographical diversity of those supplying the equipment needed to bring unconventional supplies of oil and natural gas to the surface shows the far-flung nature of fracking manufacturing and its economic benefits.

Learn more

Benefits of natural gas and oil

Natural gas offers reliable, flexible power generation with significantly reduced CO₂ emissions at a competitive price, making it a long-term solution to meeting the world’s future energy needs.

Learn more