The Role of Brownfield Development in Oil and Gas

By Ir. Ts. Ling, Thomas Kiong, MIEAust., PMP, MMIM.

Brownfield development plays a vital role in maximizing resource recovery from mature reservoirs. By applying advanced techniques such as Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), operators can extract the remaining hydrocarbons that primary and secondary recovery methods might leave behind. These projects minimize resource waste, ensuring that the full potential of reservoirs is realized while extending the productive life of assets. Cost efficiency is another significant advantage of brownfield projects. Utilizing existing infrastructure, such as platforms, pipelines, and processing facilities, reduces the need for large capital expenditures compared to greenfield projects. Furthermore, since the geological characteristics and production history of these fields are well known, there is no need for expensive exploratory activities, leading to additional savings.