Hard-to-recover oil reserves and problems of their extraction: is it possible to solve the problem with the help of the latest technologies?

Subject. Hard-to-recover reserves are beginning to play an increasingly important role in the activities of oil and gas companies. These mainly include economically marginal reserves in traditional reservoirs in traditional reservoirs with the current state of the art, the use of reserves and the availability of developed territories. A list of the main types of hard-to-recover oils, compiled on the basis of a generalization of the criteria for classifying oils as hard-to-recover, which were discussed in a large number of scientific publications. Goals. Classification and comprehensive analysis of hard-to-recover deposits. Detailed consideration of technologies and their methods of application, as well as the prospects for the development of these technologies. Methodology. In the process of studying the problem of extraction of hard-to-recover deposits, methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis were used. Results. The share of hard-to-recover oil reserves, mainly from unconventional sources of hydrocarbons, has significantly increased in the world oil market. The strategic task of the oil and gas sector is to intensify the development of such fields with state support in the form of tax incentives. To date, the most relevant way to increase the production of hard-to-recover reserves is the drilling of horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing.