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Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Latest Advances and Prospects: 3rd Edition

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "H: Geo-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 February 2026 | Viewed by 4033

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Shu Tao

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Guest Editor
Department of Energy and Environment, School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas resources such as coalbed methane, shale gas, shale oil, oil shale, and tight sandstone gas
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Wei Ju

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Guest Editor
School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Interests: reservoir geomechanics; unconventional oil and gas geology; basin analysis
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Dr. Shida Chen

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Guest Editor
School of Energy, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 10083, China
Interests: unconventional resource exploration and exploitation, especially for resource of deep coalbed methane
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Dr. Zhengguang Zhang

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Guest Editor
General Prospecting Institute of China National Administration of Coal Geology, Beijing, China
Interests: coalbed methane geology; coal body structure; hydrogeochemistry; favorable area optimization; well site deployment; in-situ stress; reservoir stimulation technology; dynamic permeability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jiang Han

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Vehicle And Energy, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
Interests: unconventional resource exploration and exploitation; nanofluidics and nanorobotics for enhanced oil and gas recovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fossil fuels are important to both the global and Chinese economies, and “unconventional” oil and gas resources—resources that cannot be produced, transported, or refined using traditional techniques—are expected to play a larger role in helping the U.S. and China meet future energy needs. With rising energy prices, unconventional oil and gas resources have received renewed domestic attention in recent years. The efficient exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas needs the support of a series of geological and engineering studies, including those focused on exploration, evaluation, drilling, completion, and production. The aim of this Special Issue is to introduce the latest progress in unconventional oil and gas geology and engineering, especially for reservoir evaluation, geological enrichment factors, enrichment model, permeability integrated evaluation, and mechanism analysis.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Applied Sciences.

Prof. Dr. Shu Tao
Dr. Wei Ju
Dr. Shida Chen
Dr. Zhengguang Zhang
Dr. Jiang Han
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • unconventional oil and gas
  • exploration and development
  • reservoir evaluation
  • seepage mechanism
  • hydrocarbon enrichment model
  • reservoir petrophysics

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 14995 KB  
Article
A Novel Method for Predicting Oil and Gas Resource Potential Based on Ensemble Learning BP-Neural Network: Application to Dongpu Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China
by Zijie Yang, Dongxia Chen, Qiaochu Wang, Sha Li, Fuwei Wang, Shumin Chen, Wanrong Zhang, Dongsheng Yao, Yuchao Wang and Han Wang
Energies 2025, 18(21), 5562; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215562 - 22 Oct 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Assessing and forecasting hydrocarbon resource potential (HRP) is of great significance. However, due to the complexity and uncertainty of geological conditions during hydrocarbon accumulation, it is challenging to accurately establish HRP models. This study employs machine learning methods to construct a HRP assessment [...] Read more.
Assessing and forecasting hydrocarbon resource potential (HRP) is of great significance. However, due to the complexity and uncertainty of geological conditions during hydrocarbon accumulation, it is challenging to accurately establish HRP models. This study employs machine learning methods to construct a HRP assessment model. First, nine primary controlling factors were selected from the five key conditions for HRP: source rock, reservoir, trap, migration, and accumulation. Subsequently, three prediction models were developed based on the backpropagation (BP) neural network, BP-Bagging algorithm, and BP-AdaBoost algorithm, with hydrocarbon resources abundance as the output metric. These models were applied to the Dongpu Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin for performance evaluation and optimization. Finally, this study examined the importance of various variables in predicting HRP and analyzed model uncertainty. The results indicate that the BP-AdaBoost model outperforms the others. On the test dataset, the BP-AdaBoost model achieved an R2 value of 0.77, compared to 0.73 for the BP-Bagging model and only 0.64 for the standard BP model. Variable importance analysis revealed that trap area, sandstone thickness, sedimentary facies type, and distance to faults significantly contribute to HRP. Furthermore, model accuracy is influenced by multiple factors, including the selection and quantification of geological parameters, dataset size and distribution characteristics, and the choice of machine learning algorithm models. In summary, machine learning provides a reliable method for assessing HRP, offering new insights for identifying high-quality exploration blocks and optimizing development strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Latest Advances and Prospects: 3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 3568 KB  
Article
Delineation and Application of Gas Geological Units for Optimized Large-Scale Gas Drainage in the Baode Mine
by Shuaiyin He, Xinjiang Luo, Jinbo Zhang, Zenghui Zhang, Peng Li and Huazhou Huang
Energies 2025, 18(19), 5237; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195237 - 2 Oct 2025
Viewed by 228
Abstract
Addressing the challenge of efficient gas control in high-gas coal mines with ultra-long panels, this study focuses on the No. 8 coal seam in the Baode Mine. A multi-parameter integrated methodology was developed to establish a hierarchical classification system of Gas Geological Units [...] Read more.
Addressing the challenge of efficient gas control in high-gas coal mines with ultra-long panels, this study focuses on the No. 8 coal seam in the Baode Mine. A multi-parameter integrated methodology was developed to establish a hierarchical classification system of Gas Geological Units (GGUs), aiming to identify regions suitable for large-scale gas extraction. The results indicate that the overall structure of the No. 8 coal seam is a simple monocline. Both gas content (ranging from 2.0 to 7.0 m3/t) and gas pressure (ranging from 0.2 to 0.65 MPa) generally increase with burial depth. However, local anomalies in these parameters, caused by geological structures and hydrogeological conditions, significantly limit the effectiveness of large-scale drainage using ultra-long boreholes. Based on key criteria, the seam was classified into three Grade I and ten Grade II GGUs, distinguishing anomalous zones from homogeneous units. Among the Grade II units, eight (II-i to II-viii) were identified as anomalous zones with distinct geological constraints, while two (II-ix and II-x) exhibited homogeneous gas geological parameters. Practical implementation of large-scale gas extraction strategies—including underground ultra-long boreholes and a U-shaped surface well—within the homogeneous Unit II-x demonstrated significantly improved gas drainage performance, characterized by higher methane concentration, greater flow rate, enhanced temporal stability, and more favorable decay characteristics compared to conventional boreholes. These findings confirm the critical role of GGU delineation in guiding efficient regional gas control and ensuring safe production in similar high-gas coal mines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Latest Advances and Prospects: 3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 10290 KB  
Article
Integrated Experimental and Numerical Investigation on CO2-Based Cyclic Solvent Injection Enhanced by Water and Nanoparticle Flooding for Heavy Oil Recovery and CO2 Sequestration
by Yishu Li, Yufeng Cao, Yiming Chen and Fanhua Zeng
Energies 2025, 18(17), 4663; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174663 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 651
Abstract
Cyclic solvent injection (CSI) with CO2 is a promising non-thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method for heavy oil reservoirs that also supports CO2 sequestration. However, its effectiveness is limited by short foamy oil flow durations and low CO2 utilization. This [...] Read more.
Cyclic solvent injection (CSI) with CO2 is a promising non-thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method for heavy oil reservoirs that also supports CO2 sequestration. However, its effectiveness is limited by short foamy oil flow durations and low CO2 utilization. This study explores how waterflooding and nanoparticle-assisted flooding can enhance CO2-CSI performance through experimental and numerical approaches. Three sandpack experiments were conducted: (1) a baseline CO2-CSI process, (2) a waterflood-assisted CSI process, and (3) a hybrid sequence integrating CSI, waterflooding, and nanoparticle flooding. The results show that waterflooding prior to CSI increased oil recovery from 30.9% to 38.9% under high-pressure conditions and from 26.9% to 28.8% under low pressure, while also extending production duration. When normalized to the oil saturation at the start of CSI, the Effective Recovery Index (ERI) increased significantly, confirming improved per-unit recovery efficiency, while nanoparticle flooding further contributed an additional 5.9% recovery by stabilizing CO2 foam. The CO2-CSI process achieved a maximum CO2 sequestration rate of up to 5.8% per cycle, which exhibited a positive correlation with oil production. Numerical simulation achieved satisfactory history matching and captured key trends such as changes in relative permeability and gas saturation. Overall, the integrated CSI strategy achieved a total oil recovery factor of approximately 70% and improved CO2 sequestration efficiency. This work demonstrates that combining waterflooding and nanoparticle injection with CO2-CSI can enhance both oil recovery and CO2 sequestration, offering a framework for optimizing low-carbon EOR processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Latest Advances and Prospects: 3rd Edition)
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12 pages, 1804 KB  
Article
Evaluation Method of Gas Production in Shale Gas Reservoirs in Jiaoshiban Block, Fuling Gas Field
by Haitao Rao, Wenrui Shi and Shuoliang Wang
Energies 2025, 18(14), 3817; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18143817 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
The gas-production potential of shale gas is a comprehensive evaluation metric that assesses the reservoir quality, gas-content properties, and gas-production capacity. Currently, the evaluation of gas-production potential is generally conducted through qualitative comparisons of relevant parameters, which can lead to multiple solutions and [...] Read more.
The gas-production potential of shale gas is a comprehensive evaluation metric that assesses the reservoir quality, gas-content properties, and gas-production capacity. Currently, the evaluation of gas-production potential is generally conducted through qualitative comparisons of relevant parameters, which can lead to multiple solutions and make it difficult to establish a comprehensive evaluation index. This paper introduces a gas-production potential evaluation method based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). It uses judgment matrices to analyze key parameters such as gas content, brittleness index, total organic carbon content, the length of high-quality gas-layer horizontal sections, porosity, gas saturation, formation pressure, and formation density. By integrating fuzzy mathematics, a mathematical model for gas-production potential is established, and corresponding gas-production levels are defined. The model categorizes gas-production potential into four levels: when the gas-production index exceeds 0.65, it is classified as a super-high-production well; when the gas-production index is between 0.45 and 0.65, it is classified as a high-production well; when the gas-production index is between 0.35 and 0.45, it is classified as a medium-production well; and when the gas-production index is below 0.35, it is classified as a low-production well. Field applications have shown that this model can accurately predict the gas-production potential of shale gas wells, showing a strong correlation with the unobstructed flow rate of gas wells, and demonstrating broad applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Latest Advances and Prospects: 3rd Edition)
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36 pages, 23546 KB  
Article
Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoir Types and Formation Mechanisms in the Second Member of the Xujiahe Formation in the Anyue Area, Sichuan Basin
by Lin Jiang, Xuezhen Sun, Dongxia Chen, Wenzhi Lei, Hanxuan Yang, Yani Deng, Zhenhua Wang, Chenghai Li, Tian Liu, Chao Geng, Tian Gao and Zhipeng Ou
Energies 2025, 18(12), 3009; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123009 - 6 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 917
Abstract
With the advancement of oil and gas exploration and development, tight sandstone gas has become a major current exploration field. However, the effective development of tight sandstone gas faces significant challenges due to the strong heterogeneity of tight sandstone reservoirs, diverse reservoir types, [...] Read more.
With the advancement of oil and gas exploration and development, tight sandstone gas has become a major current exploration field. However, the effective development of tight sandstone gas faces significant challenges due to the strong heterogeneity of tight sandstone reservoirs, diverse reservoir types, complex pore structures, and unclear understanding of reservoir formation mechanisms, which brings great difficulties. Clarifying the types and formation mechanisms of tight sandstone reservoirs is vital for guiding oil and gas exploration and development. This study investigates the characteristics, types, and formation mechanisms of tight sandstone gas reservoirs in the Xujiahe Formation (T3X2) of the Anyue area using core observation, cast thin-section identification, scanning electron microscopy, high pressure mercury intrusion, nuclear magnetic resonance, and other experimental methods. It defines the physical property lower limit of T3X2 reservoirs in Anyue, classifies reservoir types, elaborates on the basic characteristics of each type, and analyzes their genetic mechanisms. The results show that T3X2 reservoirs in the Anyue area can be divided into four types. Sedimentary, diagenetic, and tectonic processes are identified as the primary factors controlling reservoir quality, governing the formation mechanisms of different reservoir types. Based on these findings, a reservoir formation mechanism model for T3X2 reservoirs in the Anyue area is established, providing an important basis for subsequent oil and gas exploration and development in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Latest Advances and Prospects: 3rd Edition)
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19 pages, 7278 KB  
Article
Enrichment Geological Conditions and Resource Evaluation Methods for the Gas in Thinly Interbedded Coal Measures: A Case Study of the Chengzihe Formation in the Jixi Basin
by Jiangpeng Guo, Shu Tao, Caiqin Bi, Yi Cui, Bin Yu and Yijie Wen
Energies 2025, 18(10), 2584; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18102584 - 16 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 470
Abstract
The Cretaceous Chengzihe Formation in the Jixi Basin hosts abundant coal measure gas resources. Analyzing the geological conditions for gas enrichment and evaluating its resource potential are essential for advancing unconventional gas exploration. However, studies on the geological conditions controlling the enrichment of [...] Read more.
The Cretaceous Chengzihe Formation in the Jixi Basin hosts abundant coal measure gas resources. Analyzing the geological conditions for gas enrichment and evaluating its resource potential are essential for advancing unconventional gas exploration. However, studies on the geological conditions controlling the enrichment of thinly interbedded coal measure reservoirs in the Chengzihe Formation and corresponding assessment methods remain lacking. Based on the analysis of source–reservoir–seal characteristics of the thinly interbedded coal measure gas system in the Jixi Basin, integrated with resource assessment and reservoir formation controls, this study systematically reveals the enrichment patterns and accumulation mechanisms. The results show that the accumulation of thinly interbedded coal measure gas depends on three key geological factors: the gas-generating capacity of high-quality source rocks, the widespread distribution and stacking of thinly interbedded reservoirs, and the sealing capacity of cap rocks. In addition, enrichment is influenced by multiple factors, including tectonic evolution history, magmatic intrusion, sedimentary microfacies, and hydrogeological processes. Among these, the development of sedimentary microfacies (interdistributary bay and peat swamp) plays a decisive role in controlling the spatial distribution and physical properties of the reservoirs, while other factors further shape gas enrichment through synergistic interactions. Finally, using the volumetric method, the estimated gas resources of thinly interbedded coal measure gas in the Chengzihe Formation are 1226.73 × 108 m3, with the upper member showing significant potential of 688.98 × 108 m3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Latest Advances and Prospects: 3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 3398 KB  
Article
Multilayer Gas-Bearing System and Productivity Characteristics in Carboniferous–Permian Tight Sandstones: Taking the Daning–Jixian Block, Eastern Ordos Basin, as an Example
by Ming Chen, Bo Wang, Haonian Tian, Junyi Sun, Lei Liu, Xing Liang, Benliang Chen, Baoshi Yu and Zhuo Zhang
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2398; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092398 - 7 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 575
Abstract
The Carboniferous–Permian strata in the Daning–Jixian Block, located on the eastern edge of the Ordos Basin, host multiple sets of tight gas reservoirs. However, systematic research on the characteristics and gas production differences of multilayer tight sandstone gas-bearing systems remains limited. Based on [...] Read more.
The Carboniferous–Permian strata in the Daning–Jixian Block, located on the eastern edge of the Ordos Basin, host multiple sets of tight gas reservoirs. However, systematic research on the characteristics and gas production differences of multilayer tight sandstone gas-bearing systems remains limited. Based on geochemical signatures, reservoir pressure coefficients, and sequence stratigraphy, the tight sandstone gas systems are subdivided into upper and lower systems, separated by regionally extensive Taiyuan Formation limestone. The upper system is further partitioned into four subsystems. Depositional variability from the Benxi Formation to the He 8 Member has generated diverse litho-mineralogical characteristics. The Shan 1 and He 8 Members, deposited in low-energy delta-front subaqueous distributary channels with gentle topography, exhibit lower quartz content (predominantly feldspar lithic sandstone and lithic quartz sand-stone) and elevated lithic fragments, matrix, and clay minerals (particularly chlorite). These factors increase displacement and median pressures, resulting in inferior reservoir quality. By comparing and evaluating the gas production effects under different extraction methods, targeted optimization recommendations are provided to offer both theoretical support and practical guidance for the efficient development of this block. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploration and Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Latest Advances and Prospects: 3rd Edition)
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