A new fuel for enhanced oil recovery projects
Solar power in enhanced oil-recovery projects holds high promise, increasing oil reserves while freeing up valuable natural gas supplies
Thermal enhanced oil-recovery (EOR) is an increasingly important tool in oil production worldwide. Since the 1960s, thermal recovery has been the primary method for heavy-oil production in California and now plays a significant role in tight formations and older reservoirs, elsewhere. Steam generated at the surface is injected and heats the formation, reducing crude viscosity and making oil extraction easier. Decades ago, steam generators mainly burned oil; more recently, most have switched to natural gas. Today, solar heat can provide the lowest cost source of steam, cheaper even than gas. In sunny locations, solar heating methods can supply up to 80% of annual steam requirements, reducing
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